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.

Ashlea Wyzard

That pivotal moment transformed not just my career—but also my purpose. It revealed my love for the art of hair and makeup and how beauty could empower others. I’m known for blending traditional and contemporary elements, crafting looks that are both timeless and on-trend. My attention to detail and commitment to understanding each client’s unique vision set me apart. I don’t just apply makeup or style hair—I create personal statements that reflect each individual’s beauty. Read more>>

Cameron Cullers

I started martial arts at the powerful age of 5 years old in Detroit MI. My siblings and I all took Martial Arts as kids. I was the only one out of my siblings to continue training throughout my life. I loved martial arts because I really wanted to become a professional Ninja. I also despised it because it was so hard on the mind, body and emotions. Our teacher was a very mean and tyrant man. Through the discipline I attained, I learned how to apply martial arts to my life and overtime, teach It to others in a way they would enjoy learning it. Read more>>

Umi Abdul-Mateen

I would like to say it has, because every time I knew I needed to grow and stretch I did so. But there have been times when I found out a little too late and I paid the price for it. But taking accountability and accepting where you could have been better is a valuable attribute and one I have come to make a part who I am not just to people, I know, but people I work with as well. And let me say this, whenever I didn’t know my role, there were issues, so along the way I have formatted and reformatted how I do business so that I can be fulfilled and also be respected. Read more>>

Cindy Elizabeth

My journey into art began at home. Growing up, I was surrounded by images—my parents filled their walls with photographs, portraits, and collages that celebrated Black life in all its complexity. My father created what he called Black history collages: large-scale compositions made from clipped images of Black artists, scholars, entertainers, and everyday people. Each collage came with a typed booklet he wrote in the evenings on his typewriter, filled with bios, historical facts, and contextual details about each person featured. His walls were filled with faces—relatives, historic figures, people he met once in passing—all assembled into an archive of pride and memory. Read more>>

Terrence Davidson

my story always start as me in high school drawing hairstyles for girls to get there hair done in the styles I drew, mostly my friend and dance partner ( I was in a dance crew) BRANDI SHILOH wore my styles I gotta find pic . but yes I started drawing then wen from seeing my cumins do hair once I graduated from high school I wanted to do hair like they did but I went to school at DEVRY TECH. for business operations and eventually went to beauty school I hated business school that was my major business operations lol.. but yes I started at hoe in my moms living room and ended up going beauty school Read more>>

Jabez And Christopher Jenkins

We had some challenges during Covid-19 with being able to get fabric from our normal places because a lot of the shipping containers that carried the fabric were just sitting at the ports and couldn’t be delivered because they were coming from China. We learned to look for new fabric stores in the U.S. so we would never be out of fabric again. Read more>>

Stephen Cohen

The second is he is a great story teller, pop culture enthusiast, and shares a lot of stories about himself. In my opinion, the great workout can be done at almost any location around the city. It’s that second aspect that keeps people coming back because it has built such a strong community of people that have become good friends. The stories of how our studio has changed peoples lives would astound you. This is not just a sales pitch but an observation. It has always been a difficult task to promote the quality of our program as to what kind of community we have. Read more>>

ShaVonne McCants

Known for her beautifully presented, well-seasoned, and deeply flavorful dishes, Chef ShaVonne explores coastal Southern-inspired comfort food with her own gourmet Americana twist, creating mouthwatering meals. Whether using seasonal fresh vegetables and herbs from her own gardens or incorporating exotic ingredients discovered in her travels, every dish reflects her signature style—Seafood With A Side of Soul. Read more>>

Alyssa Fagien

It all started as a passion project. I moved to Atlanta in 2014, and in 2015 I began exploring the city and sharing my experiences on a little Instagram account called ATL Bucket List. At the time, I was working in marketing and social media for other brands, but over the years, my page started gaining traction—and I realized I had something special on my hands. Read more>>

Mina Starks

I was so depressed and felt alone. I needed something to comfort me. I left my corporate job of 20 years after getting in a car accident that caused me to be off work for a while. When it was time to return, I quickly realized that I wanted more. I had always felt that way, but at this time I was feeling it stronger than ever. I decided not to return and began creating grief boxes….beautiful, heartfelt packages filled with healing intention for those suffering through the loss of their mom. Each box included a journal with an inspirational Bible verse, a pen inscribed with “Joy comes in the mourning,” a dog tag with a personal message from mom, a frame for cherished photos…and a CANDLE. Read more>>

Kayla Visi

Sparkling Soul was created in 2021 with a thought to help others along their journey. I see clients for herbal consults, am currently starting community classes for healthy alternatives & tips, and I’m in the process of becoming a certified holistic nutrition coach. Blends & Bloom Botanicals is my secondary business that was founded in 2025 to bring forth a product line with quality herbs and your health as priority. I currently have tea blends, herbal remedies, facial & skin products, with more products in the works. Read more>>

The Strange Content Sow Strange & Deique Bleu

I eventually chose that I wanted to do music. My mom and dad are both music lovers and have a lot of records, so my background consist of a multitude of genres. House music is my favorite because love that it shares. The first time I really ever felt free was on the dance floor. My goal as a House Music producer is to consistently recreate that vibe over and over so others can feel free and let the music take over. Today, I produce for The Strange Content (Sow Strange and Me) as well as for my own projects. I have also down remixes for record labels and artist in South Africa. I am dropping a self produced EP 03/25/25 that should gain a lot of attention in the dance community here in Atlanta. Outside of all that I am somewhat of an Atlanta socialite. Known but unknown if that makes sense….LOL. People that I come in contact love my energy. Read more>>

Asim Francis

In 2024, I began conceptualizing a new kind of platform—one that would move beyond just individual self-defense to community resilience and cultural protection. After a year of development and reflection, DRIP Community launched in early 2025. DRIP stands for Deeply Rooted In Protection. It’s the evolution of everything I’ve done—from martial arts to firearms, coaching to community-building. It’s about protecting more than just bodies—it’s about safeguarding minds, culture, legacy, and future. Read more>>

Nikita

Being creative and trying new design tools was something I had always taken an interest in, learning how to create slight digital designs & posters using my pictures throughout my adolescent years. It wasn’t until I saw a gap in the community around me – my community, that I began to take on roles designing the things the business owners around me needed.. When Covid hit, more people launched their own online businesses and aspiring content creators began documenting on Youtube. I saw this as my opportunity to step out on faith using my God given talents and start my own business as well in 2020.  Read more>>

Ashley Brooks OTR/L, BCPR, CHT

I’ve been an Occupational Therapist (OT) for about thirteen years now. I started my career in California, where I had moved not long after receiving my OT degree from the University of Florida, and started working in the field of hand therapy from almost the very beginning. That’s fairly unusual for a new grad – hand therapy is considered a specialty field for OTs, requiring extra training, mentorship, and certifications. Even though the name only says hand we have to be prepared to treat the entire upper extremity from fingertip to shoulder. I love anatomy and I’m a pretty curious person when it comes to continuous learning, both of which lent themselves well to the complex field I’d entered. Plus I had some really great mentors that accelerated my early career growth. Read more>>

Troy Turner

I naturally already did hair but empire gave me the foundation tools. After graduating I worked as a assistant to a great stylist who was mean as hell. But learned a lot specially about wig making and extensions.after a year my best friend called me for a favor. It was a photoshoot he needed different color wigs. I randomly had some cause I was doing a play so I brought those with me to set. Not know who the person was I just went with it. And in walks LIL KIM and after that shoot I was with her for 4 years. Then all the rest became history I turned into a sought after celebrity hairstylist traveling the world. Read more>>

Carl Wright

Absolutely! My journey to becoming the Founder and CEO of C & C Wright Investments, LLC, is rooted in a lifelong passion for creativity and storytelling. I was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but raised in Decatur, Georgia, where I first discovered my artistic inclinations. At the age of seven, I realized my love for writing and drawing, which was validated when one of my drawings was featured in Sesame Street Magazine in 1986, honoring me as one of the national winners from Georgia. Read more>>

Marsalis James

I am from Wilson, NC. Ended up attending college at The Illustrious,WSSU. I moved to Charlotte and started out as an event promoter in Charlotte, NC. Along the way, some friends and I started our nonprofit. Centered on giving back to those from low socioeconomic areas. I have been doing events independently since 2018. I started back up right after covid in 2021. Both are going well. I just expanded both areas into Atlanta and things are going well. Read more>>

Teri Ehrlich

I finally am going on vacations and not being glued to my phone every minute. With other agents to show property now as well, I don’t have to be at every showing. I do still review and personally visit every property my clients want to purchase because resale value is so important to me. I want to make sure that they are making good decisions for future value. I work with a lot of relocation buyers, professional athletes and executives and they get transferred around every few years so it’s very important that they maximize their time here and build equity. Read more>>

Nurse Key

Then name Key was given to me by my patients and friends from my vibe and the way I treated them with love and compassion. My birth name is Zakeya which means beautiful flower and intelligence. I strive to constantly continue to blossom. I always had a big heart, but my calling came together when I was around 16 years old. My great great grandmother had passed away and she left a huge impact on me amongst so many other great women in my life. She taught me how to be a woman, love and care for others. When she passed away, I made a promise to myself that I would continue her legacy of love! Read more>>

John Kelley

Around 21, my path took a turn toward film. My roommate at the time, Matt, was a focus puller, and one night he asked me if I wanted to come help him on a Ford commercial. I had no idea how to load film, so the night before the shoot, we split a case of beer and he taught me how to load 35mm stock into an ARRI 435. We just sat there drinking and running drills with dummy rolls until I got it down. The next day, I was on set like I’d been doing it forever. That night cracked open a whole new world for me, and I never really looked back. Read more>>

Beauteous Benita

I started content creating a while back, and honestly, it feels like it’s always been a part of who I am. Ever since I was little, being in front of the camera just came naturally to me—it was my happy place. I used to sneak in moments on the school computers, recording videos and uploading them to YouTube, even when I didn’t have all the fancy tools or equipment. I was just a kid with big dreams and a passion for sharing my world. Read more>>

Jess Phillips

I decided to move to Atlanta because I wanted to be close to my brother. We are from NY and it’s hard to be away from family. Now we live Piedmont Park away from each other and I get to watch my nieces grow up which has been a true blessing. My best friend’s mom is a realtor in NY and she suggested that I meet with her friend who at the time owned a real estate brokerage. Real estate was never on my mind however she knew everyone so I thought if I told her my interests she’d be able to give me some guidance and introduce me to some people who could potentially help me figure out what’s next. Read more>>

Rashay Gidney

That’s the thing that keeps me going to know that I can make an impact in someone’s life through make up brushes lol I am most proud of me taking that leap of faith to try something new and little did I know I discovered my gift for my purpose in life. A lot of individuals go through life and never find their thing. They’re just doing a lot of different stuff, but never know what their true gift is into me that’s priceless and nobody can ever take that away from me. Read more>>

Abdoulaye M. Idrissa

Today, I specialize in custom homes, renovations, commercial spaces, cinematic renderings, and AI-driven design workflows. I’m not just an architect; I live in the world of AI. I use it daily to visualize ideas faster, smarter, and more emotionally than we ever thought possible. With the right input, AI can serve us in ways we haven’t even scratched the surface of yet. I’m already building my own AI rendering software, and the MVP is already in motion. Read more>>

Rylen Benson

I started doing nails back in 2021, during my college years. At the time, I was really struggling—academically and personally. I didn’t have a lot of family or outside support to help me stay focused, and eventually, I stopped attending classes altogether. I ended up on academic probation, and I hit a point where I had to make a tough decision: was I going to let it all fall apart, or was I going to take control of my time and put it to good use? Read more>>

Shafon Moore

I began exploring makeup as a hobby during my time in the army. Each day, I would come home, change into more feminine attire, and spend time at my makeup table. After leaving the US Army, I struggled to find a job in my previous field, which led me to take a leap of faith and apply for a position at the nearest makeup counter, Estée Lauder. Once I secured that job, I realized I could eventually transition into working independently in a salon. I have been working for myself for the past eight years, and it has proven to be a rewarding decision. Read more>>

Jalen Lee

My journey wasn’t exactly traditional — it’s been built off instinct, passion, and a deep connection to the city of Atlanta and its creatives. I started out simply wanting to help people around me, especially artists who had talent but didn’t always have the right platform, resources, or guidance to grow. I knew what it felt like to navigate systems without a blueprint, so I made it my mission to become the person I wish I had when I started. Read more>>

Shantaia Higgins

I’ve always had a passion for beauty and wellness—it started as a fascination with transformation, not just physical but how people feel after being taken care of. I started my journey in the industry with humble beginnings: I began my career as an esthetician in the summer of 2022, driven by a passion for skincare and a desire to help people feel their absolute best. I started out working in a local spa, where I soaked up every bit of knowledge and hands-on experience I could. My focus from day one has been on creating the ultimate spa experience—one where every client feels pampered, valued, and leaves glowing inside and out. Delivering five-star service isn’t just a goal—it’s my standard. Read more>>

Natajuah Thomas

I started my business as a small hobby in 2019 during my senior year of high school. I was also in a business class in school and had an assignment to create a business plan, presentation, and create a pop-up for it. It was a competition and I won it. I knew then, I was meant to be an entrepreneur. I stopped during my freshman year of college due to not having time but COVID hit and it motivated to get back into it. Ever since then, I’ve been running my business while being a full time student. I plan to continue to elevate my business as I continue school. Read more>>

Summer Hang

In 2020, like so many others during the pandemic, I found myself rethinking everything. I left my corporate job and started helping out at the shop. At first, I thought it would be temporary—but the more time I spent working with flowers and connecting with customers, the more I realized this was exactly where I was meant to be. I realized flowers are more than just fresh-cut stems—they’re a way for people to express love, gratitude, appreciation, respect, and care for the ones who matter most. Read more>>

Samantha

One of the unique aspects of our brand is our location—we’re conveniently housed inside a holistic wellness space. This setting enhances the entire client experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in total self-care beyond just aesthetics. Whether they’re visiting for body sculpting or integrating other wellness practices, our environment supports full-body rejuvenation. Read more>>

Chrystol Wilson-Payne

When I reentered the workforce, I joined a group counseling practice, which helped me reconnect with my passion for mental health in a more formal way. Eventually, I took the leap and launched my own private practice — Journey to Better LLC — where I support individuals, especially women, in navigating life’s challenges with intention, grace, and authenticity. I believe that healing is not about arriving at perfection but about being present and honest on the journey to becoming whole. Read more>>

Shala Hughes

Since then Ive worked at semi med spas, full med spas, hair salons, waxing centers and eventually got my laser and medical assistant certifications …but the most significant part of my career was being hired at a Lash Studio where I was taking 5-6 clients a day it really helped me hone my skills and get all of the practice and sharpness I have today, which allows me to specialize in Natural Lash sets. Recently I have moved into my very own suite and its a huge accomplishment for me. This is actually my 4th solo suite but I have so much more knowledge and understanding of running a business and not to mention so much more confidence than I did with the first three. Read more>>

Allie Lovegood

After I left my marriage, I did breathwork everyday for 30 days. Breathwork introduced to me this profound connection between the breath & the emotional body. I still remember my first breathwork session like it was yesterday. Breathwork unearthed years of suppressed emotions without me reliving painful experiences. I felt muscle tension melt away & was filled with a sense of profound clarity I haven’t experienced before. This practice became a daily ritual, grounding me & fostering a newfound sense of inner peace. Read more>>

DaNae Harrison

I felt honored to empower people through their clothing and to be a part of their most special moments — stitched into their stories, quite literally. Tailoring proved to be both in-demand and more time-efficient. It gave me a consistent stream of work and taught me the value of flexibility in business. Looking back, pivoting to tailoring was one of the best decisions I made — and I know it’s a skill that will remain valuable and portable throughout my career, wherever life takes me. Read more>>

Gracyn Heisterberg

I decided to graduate from law school and not become a lawyer. Wellness is a way to practice self-love and support, and I would not have found the right path for me without it. I’m so excited to enter the wellness space for my career and share my experience and knowledge with others. I want to support people on their own wellness journeys towards self-love and care. I feel like my own experience makes me unique as a wellness practitioner in my approach to clients due to my strong belief that wellness works. Read more>>

Vlada Romanowicz

I began Esthetician career a little over 10 years ago. Skincare had always been a passion of mine—I was the go-to person among my friends and family for beauty tips, and I’ve always loved the confidence that comes with feeling good in your own skin. Eventually, I decided to turn that passion into a profession and enrolled in Esthetics school. After graduating, I began working in Miami, where I was exposed to a fast-paced, high-standard beauty scene. That experience really helped me sharpen my skills and understand the deeper needs of different skin types. Over time, I’ve developed my own approach that blends clinical knowledge with personalized, hands-on care. Now that I’m based in Alpharetta, I’m focused on offering that same elevated experience in a more intimate, one-on-one setting. Read more>>

Jared Davis

I am the Director of Bands at Dr. Ronald E. McNair High School in Atlanta, GA. I mold and teach students how to become the best version of themselves through the medium of music. I am most proud of the impact that I have on my students lives. Seeing students overcome adversity and thrive is such a joy for me. I tell my students on a daily basis that I want to see them WIN! Winning can be hard and isn’t always an enjoyable process but as long as we continue through the process, they will succeed. Read more>>

DeDe McGuire

I worked there for one year left and went to San Antonio. I stayed in San Antonio one year, then went to Dallas for two years Chicago for two years in Philadelphia for three years. I ended up working on a nationally syndicated show called The Doug Banks Show, as the cohost. I always had designed to have my own show and an opportunity came up in Dallas on the local radio station. KKDA/K104 hired me as the cohost and eventually I became the host. After a few years syndication came calling and now the Deedee in The Morning Show has been syndicated around the country for the last seven years. Thankfully, we have made our way to Atlanta! Read more>>

Cora Sanfilippo

After closing the boutique, I knew I wanted to help other brands grow, so I spent the next few years working in marketing roles across industries like retail, fitness, and staffing. In 2024, I officially launched Social Spritz, my own boutique agency, where I now help brands build strategic, authentic online presences. It’s been a journey of trusting my passion and leaning into what lights me up. Read more>>

Beverly Hairston

While growing as a teen I continued to receive services of relaxers, roller sets, and styles under a hairdryer. It wasn’t until college that I had the genius of idea of discontinuing relaxers and learning how to manage my natural curly hair. During this journey I stumbled upon my love for styling extensions on others. This sparked more than just a career in the hair industry, but it taught me how to be an entrepreneur. I began installing extensions on my friends and family and the journey has not ended. I now have a mobile hairstylist platform servicing clients with styles such as extension installation and natural hair styles. My mobile hair journey Bee.Hairston LLC transferred to an extension online hair company, “Hairston Factory”. Read more>>

Leyland Tren

Poetry found me in my early teen years and became the foundation of my creative expression. I was active in the early meta art world, where I built a strong following and forged meaningful artistic connections. As I entered my later teens, I expanded my horizons by attending exclusive events and immersing myself in artistic and intellectual spaces. These gatherings weren’t just about networking—they became learning grounds. I observed, listened, and analyzed how people carried conversations, and one question always seemed to come up: “Well, what do you do?” Read more>>

Kirby Tha Hottest

I’m an Artist. I love making music, performing in front of millions of people, and sharing my life, in hopes it would inspire someone else’s! I’m different. I’m unique. I make music for ordinary people. I don’t idolize myself as if I’m someone that you should idolize. I’m human just like everyone else. I want the good things in life as everyone else. I try not to put energy into nothing negative even with my music! Read more>>

Nour Awada

Over the years, I also discovered a love for cooking, especially healthy, wholesome meals. I’ve learned so much about nutrition, parenting, and the little things that make daily life more meaningful. As a family, we’re always exploring, whether it’s new spots in Georgia, other states, or countries abroad. Today, my social media platform reflects all of that: healthy cooking, travel tips, hidden gems, mom hacks, parenting inspiration, and the experience of living abroad and navigating life as a foreigner. Read more>>

Christa Rose

For most of my early life, I carried deep pain and shame. I was sexually abused as a child and grew up in an environment where I had to silence my truth to survive. I learned how to disconnect from my body because it felt safer that way. For years, I performed, achieved, and pretended because I thought that was what would finally make me feel worthy. Read more>>

Jasing Yang

I began my content creation journey during my junior year of college, simply as a creative outlet. At the time, I never imagined it would grow into something more. What started as sharing skincare tips and beauty advice gradually evolved as I found myself exploring my creativity through food, local experiences, and hidden gems around Atlanta. Read more>>

Tony Miller

I love to share people’s stories. And when I started in 2019 there weren’t many people who were talking to the wrestlers that are working so hard to make it to the big time so I so an opportunity to not only do something different but to shine a spotlight on these wrestlers, some of whom are now signed to major promotions WWE AEW iMPACT Wrestling and the NWA. I’ve always tried to make what I do standout from the rest. I treat my interviews with production value by brining multiple cameras, lighting, microphones, and including match footage in the final edited product. Read more>>

Terry Suave

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Being from Winston-Salem and doing the things I do has been quite the challenge even though it’s the “city of arts & innovation”. I had to move to Charlotte and build my name up just to create opportunities back home or anywhere else. Then trying to use social media as a way to generate income and using it like a portfolio without burning out really does take a toll on you and you have to take breaks from it. And being a human on top of all that is a challenge in itself. But going through that shaped who I am today. Read more>>

Fallon Clark

I’m originally from Milan Tn, graduate of University of Tennessee at Chattanooga currently working towards my Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Management there also. I am one of the Talent Acquisition Specialists for Airgas Inc. home base Atlanta, Ga however I have been fortunate to live and work remote here in ChattaNOOGA, which I’ve grown to love dearly. Prior to taking corporate America seriously lol I was a performing artist full time. I’ve been on stage my entire life. From highschool theatre to local and regional theatre to touring with a coverband and, appearing in local/ regional commercials, quite a bit of film extra work and featured in national broadcasts for TBN. Read more>>

BOREGARD.

The first song we created was “Sandra Bullock” and it had such a specific energy about it, it wasn’t gangster, it wasn’t normal, it was just hard. I carried this energy into many of my releases after working with them. Most of the unreleased songs I have now are produced by TrackTeam. I hope to make it clear where I am currently with my next releases. I’m also currently pursuing Voice Acting and Gaming, I still have a lot to lear in both those fields though. Check out my latest offering EDIBLE which has a music video to accompany it! Read more>>

Darius Recard Jr

My father, Darius Recard Sr., started the YCQ! movement back in 2003. It wasn’t a business back then it was a message. A fire he lit in our family that reminded us, no matter how hard life gets, you don’t fold. You push through. But when my dad passed away, that fire could’ve died right there if it wasn’t for my mom. She kept the message alive, not just by saying the words, but by living them. Through struggle, through loss, through every storm, she showed us that quitting wasn’t in our blood. Read more>>

Majid Rezalangeroudi

I had a small restaurant in my country of birth. I immigrated to the US with my wife in 2017 due to religious beliefs, we had no capital. So we started working in an Iranian restaurant. We dreamed of a family business from the very beginning. My wife and I went through a lot of hardships. We gained a lot of experience in the field of food, work, and starting a business. We never gave up on our dream. We have interesting experiences that we will share with you later. We saved a little and started an Iranian food catering business a year ago and we are very successful. Read more>>

ShawnKole

I was born in Kansas City, raised in St. Louis. I’m lucky enough to have had an uncle who was an artist too. He helped me sell my first drawing when I was around seven years old. It was just a neighbor, but it stuck with me. I started drawing anything I could and it lead me to animation, and eventually filmmaking. I graduated from Tuskegee University with my Bachelor’s in English to deepen my connection to my culture and storytelling. I then graduated from Georgia State University with a Master’s degree on the film production track. I wanted to learn as much as I could about the entire process. Read more>>

Bibiana Ossai

I’m a Nigerian-born writer and creative currently based in Atlanta, Georgia. I moved to the U.S. in 2018 to pursue my MFA in Creative Writing at Long Island University, Brooklyn. That transition—from Nigeria to New York—marked the beginning of a new chapter. I took my first job in the U.S. as a writing tutor at the university’s writing center, where I worked with students across disciplines. That role not only deepened my love for language but also taught me how to connect with diverse voices through writing. Read more>>

Dominique Wilson

From there, doors started opening that I never expected. This year, I’ll be appearing in a film alongside Michael Jai White and Lisa Arrindell, which is such an honor. I’m also proud to share that a short film I starred in will be featured in the Atlanta Film Festival. It feels like everything I’ve done—on and off the court—has led me to this moment. I’m still growing, still learning, and still grinding, but I’m grateful every day for how far I’ve come. Read more>>

Quellyn Kennedy

I started in the beauty industry with my esthetics license and began working in a fast-paced wax salon. I was on my feet 10 hours a day, seeing 20 to 25 clients in a single shift. The work was intense — physically and mentally — but what inspired me and kept my spirit high was the incredible women I met every single day. Women from all walks of life, each with their own stories, their own glow, their own resilience. That connection fueled me. Read more>>

Vishwa Shukla

Eventually, I made the big decision to move from India to the U.S. to pursue my Master’s degree at the Maryland Institute College of Art. That time was truly magical for me. It completely opened my eyes—professionally and personally. I had incredible professors who helped me find clarity in my ideas and taught me how to communicate through design more intentionally. That experience gave me a whole new sense of confidence in my work. Read more>>

Savannah Hamilton

Alongside my education and animation career, I’ve worked as a freelance painter for over eight years—during school, between jobs, and full time at times. I’ve completed over 100 commissioned and original paintings, and I’ve developed an online shop selling prints. I grew my business organically by sharing my creative process on social media and building a personal brand across several platforms. Read more>>

Matthew Campbell

This is allowing me to create starring vehicles for myself and bring original stories to the world. Original content has been widely publicized as lacking in Hollywood right now. I feel It’s time for the next generation of storytellers to come forth and bring completely new ideas and content to the masses. I think I am ,most proud of my book ‘Sinister City’. It is extremely difficult to get a book published and to get people to read an original screenplay as a new author. I am extremely proud of how well the book has done and how well things have been going on the book tour. I think It’s going to a pretty amazing comedy when it all comes to fruition. Read more>>

Rip Knickers

In short, we played a couple of record label showcases and enjoyed our time, but soon different members moved away and the band fell apart. I still love music a lot, and have never stopped writing. I recently decided that I would like to put a band together to perform the new songs that I have written, and the project is called Cougar Magnum. It is currently a studio project but the intention is to play the songs on the album we have released called Full Mag to live audiences. Read more>>

Leslie Cohen

We created our newest location called Birdcage. It started as an ode to my roots of rotisserie chicken but since both Shaun and I have worked with so many creative people in the Latin community, we gave it a twist to represent all Latin cultures. The name came from the movie which is based in south beach area. The flamboyant decor and beautiful colors reflect our vision for great atmosphere paired with delicious food. Both restaurants have had great success. Shaun and I are in the works to keep going in our journey. We have already started working on our next venture. I am happy to say hard work along with passion does pay off and I have made my dream come true to be a restaurateur. Read more>>

Lexi Soos

Has it always been smooth? Absolutely not. Even with all the great moments – playing the sport I love in college, coaching girls with the same passion I have, starting Lax with Lex – there’s been one big hurdle I didn’t see coming: me. Self-doubt and imposter syndrome hit hard when I first started Lax with Lex. I would overthink everything “Do I actually know enough to teach this?” “What if they realize I’m still figuring out things too?” Read more>>

Duffy James

At the heart of everything I do is a simple goal: everyone should win. I’m driven by a belief that honest, transparent collaboration—rooted in genuine respect for people and their stories—creates the strongest work and the best outcomes. When we approach projects with integrity and a shared vision, creativity flourishes, trust deepens, and financial success follows for every stakeholder. That win‑win mindset isn’t just good business; it’s the kind of positive cycle the world needs a lot more of. Read more>>

Caleb Kutsche

I lost my corporate job at one point, and was forced to go all in on my business. It was a really hard time, where I wasn’t sure if we would be able to make it financially. Looking back, it was probably the time God grew me the most! I had to figure out how to make the business actually function and how to keep it afloat to provide for my family. Ultimately, it’s all about providing the best service and best experience. Read more>>

Jasmine Frazier

After that, I found myself needing my own perinatal therapist to process my pregnancy and own parenting struggles, and that experience honestly shifted everything for me. It made me realize just how much support new moms need — and how little we talk about it. Three years later, I’m now a Perinatal Trauma Therapist and private practice owner, and I can honestly say I’m in love with this work. I know I was called to do it. Every part of my journey, every job I’ve had, and everybody who has either helped me or walked away from me, has shaped me into the social worker and therapist I am today. And I honestly couldn’t be more grateful and proud of that. Read more>>

Callie Russo

Social media is definitely both an amazing thing, and also incredibly toxic. I find myself loving and hating it at the same time often. It was a learning curve for sure having to endure hate comments online, and people being rude just to be rude, despite not knowing me as a person at all. There have been multiple times where I have just wanted to delete my accounts and call it quits along the way because of online hate or comparison or general drama that comes along with any community, but I pushed through those feelings of insecurity and uncertainty, and I am so incredibly glad I did. I have such a wonderful community around me. Read more>>

Easton Davis

As I navigated my journey as a youth minister, I uncovered a real sense of purpose in storytelling. This purpose led me to amplify the voices of young people by sharing their stories. This included learning photography and videography, launching a podcast youth ministry across, and building a strong youth ministry presence across various social media channels. Read more>>

Carrie Michelle

Carrie Michelle is also recognized for her philanthropic efforts, hosting four yearly events in both Atlanta and the DMV, showcasing her commitment to giving back to the community. Currently, she holds the position of promotions/event manager for the nationally known brand, CRU Lounge, in Atlanta, showcasing her versatility as a one-stop shop in the entertainment industry. Read more>>

Desjanae Thompson

My name is Desjanae “Deja for short” and I am overwhelmed with joy to express my love and passion for BOOZGIE COCKTAILS LLC , we are more than a mobile bartending business, we bring and create special moments that will be imprinted in memories and impact your family and friends lives.As someone who thrives in fast-paced, people-oriented environments and has a natural passion for entrepreneurship, I’m excited about introducing you and the world turn my strengths into a successful career in being the #1 mobile bartending company in Atlanta,ga. Read more>>