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.
Bangin’ Bri’
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Its been a blessed one. But not a smooth one lol. From losing my mom at the age of 3 due to gun violence. To being molested and abused as a kid, Dad currently serving a 40 yr bid. These are all just things I used to motivate me and push me for the better. From moving out and creating a brand at the age of 18 (7months after High School Graduation), to moving outta my hometown to Atl at the age of 22 after losing my grandmother and having my place robbed by family. Ive always knew I would be destined for greatness. Always known I would be global! Read more>>
Collin Cosby
The Regulars played our first shows in 2021 at The Roadhouse in Athens. At first it was a whimsical experiment—mostly just seeing if we could even do it. We quickly found that we enjoyed ourselves so it didn’t take long for us to begin playing around Athens and eventually Atlanta regularly. We’ve grown and changed as people and as musicians over the past few years, but we’re going strong and the vision for the band is clearer than ever. Read more>>
Alvin Pipkin
I started as a Dj in a local bar. I quickly expanded to weddings, corporate events and promoting artist showcases. From there I began managing recording artist and later performing artist. In 2017 I began distributing and publishing music. It was difficult in the beginning, not because projects were not completed on schedule. Most artist are not affiliated with a Performance Rights Organization (BMI, ASCAP, SESAC in America). I was determined to finish what I started and so I did Read more>>
Tariq Brown
Dreams over Excuses is a nonprofit with the purpose of teaching the youth about financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Living in America, in a capitalist society, I think it’s important everyone, but especially our youth, understands how money works. I personally didn’t know anything about the stock market until I was almost 30. When it comes to investing, the earlier you get in the better. Also, it’s important that our youth understand entrepreneurship and how to structure a business. There are so many scenerios I’ve heard where individuals had a “business” but didn’t have it structured correctly so they couldn’t take advantage of certain funding opportunities or tax advantages. Read more>>
Jessica Kelly
Life often takes us places we don’t expect to be. If you had told me ten years ago that I’d be where I am today, I wouldn’t have believed you…real estate had never even crossed my mind. I spent my entire life dreaming of becoming a teacher. When I was a kid, I used to teach Sunday School to my dogs after church. I loved everything about it and was so passionate about helping kids, seeing the light bulb come on, creating an environment for them to feel safe and at home. After six years of teaching, the burnout was real and more than I could ignore. Read more>>
Chloe Ajuste
I faced plenty of struggles. Sleeping in my car after my lease was up because I trusted a man who said “he would take care of me” then when I finally said okay “poof” like magic. I practically moved so much by myself with help every now and then. I know that people were wishing and waiting for me to fail, some still waiting and will keep waiting Read more>>
Matthew Coleman
I’ve always been a builder—of businesses, relationships, and community. My entrepreneurial journey started long before I knew what the word even meant. Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, I discovered early that I had a deep passion for people and a love for real estate. I bought my first commercial building and personal home at just 24 years old, and by 28, I had acquired multiple units. But even before those deals, I was volunteering with local development organizations, helping provide housing for families in need. That stuck with me. Read more>>
Theresa Scarborough
I am a Master Cosmetologist of 5 years. I love being a creative. I’m so passionate about healthy hair care especially in black women that is my specialty. I am known for my silk press & traditional sewins! Being genuine, professional, passionate & knowledgeable sets me apart others. I love my clients like family and I treat them as such . Read more>>
Keenan Hudson
in the woods, and that’s what it’s like in the comic book world. You just assume that there are just people who make comics and people who read them, like plants and deer. But there’s rivers, ponds, dens, and niches- even up in the trees there a community! In the vein of the analogy, that would be conventions, comic bookstores, artist alley, exhibitor halls, art managers, event organizers, and cosplayers- even furies! So, to jump into the ecosystem, you feel out of place and overwhelmed, but you learn that if you want a space, you need to make space! And that’s more or less where I am now, learning my place in this ecosystem, solidifying it, and hopefully develop my own community. Well not hopefully, determinately. Read more>>
Wendy Raynor
In 2002, during the dot-com bust, I decided to go back to graduate school and began studying for the GMAT. That’s when I fully realized that I don’t process information the way most people do. I was incredibly frustrated by the explanations I received from tutors and the prep materials I purchased—nothing clicked. Eventually, I gave up. Despite my underwhelming GMAT score, I was accepted into my top-choice graduate school—with one condition: I had to complete a math class before starting in the fall. Read more>>
Sakshi Gupta
I grew up in a misty hill town in Uttarakhand where the biggest adventure, most days, was waiting for the internet to connect. My parents—loving, practical, and very Indian—had one request: “Be an engineer, beta.” So I signed the unspoken contract and enrolled in a three‑year diploma in computer science before most classmates had even chosen their 12th‑grade subjects. Read more>>
PHALYN SPAULDING
Although the journey has undoubtedly encountered its share of challenges, I can affirm that it has generally unfolded in a relatively smooth manner thus far. There have certainly been obstacles along the way, yet overall, the experience has allowed for personal growth and significant progress. This reflects a remarkable ability to adapt and maneuver through difficulties while still discovering moments of ease and success. It speaks to the resilience within us, demonstrating that even when faced with adversity, one can still find a path forward and appreciate the positive aspects of the journey. Read more>>
Slay
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. In the beginning, I was just sharing what I loved without any strategy or expectations, but as my platform started to grow, so did the pressure. There were times when I felt overwhelmed trying to balance creativity with consistency, especially when I wasn’t seeing the results I hoped for. Engagement would fluctuate, algorithms would change, and I often had to adapt quickly while still staying true to my style. Read more>>
Peahen Gandhi
The traditional medical system is reactive, not rewarded to be PROACTIVE. I, along with other physicians I meet in the community are blazing a trail to promote prevention, wellness, and early intervention to help combat the chronic morbidity crisis in America. I am so passionate, and while I am board certified in three medical specialties…my most proud moments are when I actually see patients happy and sending their relatives and friends to me. As far as my biggest accomplishment….I hope that is yet to come! I am so blessed to have realized my childhood dream to become a physician and serve women with compassion, excellence and innovation. Read more>>
Maronda Hastie
In a world where standardized tests and data points often define education, Maronda Hastie stands out as a visionary—a teacher who saw the world not as a distraction from learning, but as its richest classroom. For over two decades, this Atlanta-based educator transformed lives not just with equations and lesson plans, but with passports, hiking boots, and a fearless belief that real education happens through experience. Read more>>
Chris Tollack
Not long after college, ATL felt like the perfect move and I’ve been living and working in the city as a performing arts production manager, performer, and lighting designer for the past 9 years. In 2019, I debuted antiquarian as a solo project focused on live dance music and also started DJing in DIY spaces and nightclubs. Last year I released the “Intrusive” EP, started a nightlife+art collective called Cut Corners, and started producing concerts that spotlight live, original electronic performances. Read more>>
Tamara Badson
We started our first event company in New York called NEM Events, and after the tough decisions involved in transplanting, we sold our company and moved to the Peach State, Atlanta. Moving from the concrete jungle of New York to the sweet southern charm of Atlanta was like trading in our winter coats for sweet tea glasses. A few months later, COVID arrived and turned all of our plans upside down. We reassessed everything and just like that, we pivoted back to the event business and started our baby, Evolution Photo Booths. Read more>>
Keyerra Green
It definitely hasn’t been a easy road, but I’m grateful because I had a lot of support. One of my biggest struggles was finding balance between my work, endeavors and my personal life. In the beginning, I lost a lot of friends because I didn’t prioritize nurturing friendships. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to, I think at the time of me being an amateur in my field and my journey, I just didn’t know how to divide my focus. Read more>>
Hanna Sellers
After moving to Atlanta, I built a devoted client base through word of mouth and instinctively knew it was time to create a space that reflected the method I’d been cultivating: something athletic, elevated, and intimate. That’s how Pêche was born—out of a desire to bring depth back into the practice and create a studio experience that felt like a hidden gem. Every detail of Pêche is considered, from the music to the arches to the way our method builds—slow burn, sculpted precision. It’s more than just Pilates. It’s a world. Read more>>
Diora Smith
The New Wife was birthed in 2020 but the discovery of it started in 2018. Being a New Wife and having to navigate through what you’ve seen in marriage, your whole life, which was a great example too now figuring out if that works for your marriage. I thought I had it all planned out but God the Father had a totally different plan. If I had to pinpoint how I’ve gone from where I was to where I am right now it would be firmly because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. Then it would be on truly getting to learn myself and look in the mirror and deal with the parts of me that I’m not so excited about. Spending more time with Christ, helped me to get to learn myself better . which then made me better for my husband my bonus, son, Aaron and Judah my family and all those that I come in contact with as a whole. Read more>>
Jessica Durrant
Clients include The Washington Post, The Gates Foundation, Amazon, Simon Malls, Royal Caribbean, Target, Sephora, Dior, IKEA, Starbucks, British & Japanese Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar Korea, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ralph Lauren, Talbot’s, Brandon Maxwell, Spanx, Diptyque, Chantecaille, Jimmy Choo, Ebay, Nature Made, Lancôme Paris, Burts Bees, Elizabeth Arden, L’Oreal Paris Kérastase, Avène, NYX Cosmetics, Lavazza, Bayer, and QVC. Harper’s Bazaar named her a fashion illustrator to follow on Instagram. Durrant has also collaborated with CHANEL, Oscar de la Renta, and Elie Saab. Her work has appeared in Season 2 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Emily in Paris. Read more>>
Quay Jackson
Has It Been A Smooth Road? That depends on the street. I learned that I had to have tough skin & quick. Being in entertainment is an open world for judgement. From directors to social media. Some auditions, they would sometimes go with the other person because of different things, like height, look, sound of my voice. My mannerisms, “what they heard” the list goes on. Read more>>
Haley Hudson
I started taking my modeling career serious in 2019. I moved to New York and began working with various photographers, makeup artist and stylists. I attended major events like NYC fashion week, Miami fashion week and working with big brands like Express and Savage X Fenty. Since I was a freelance model, I booked all my jobs myself and always looked for networking opportunities that would elevate my career. I had to figure out what type of modeling I wanted to do like runway, print, commercial, beauty, etc. Read more>>
MOON
My elementary school music teacher kick-started the fire within me. Teaching 4th and 5th graders how to sight-read classical pieces and playing them on a xylophone made me wonder how far I could take my instrumentation abilities. Transitioning into marching band felt like a whole new world. Being around people who not only were the same age but also had the same fascination for music that I do gave me a sense of self during extremely confusing and dark times. From performing in the governor’s mansion to playing on America’s Got Talent and marching in Mardi Gras, I knew I had a special gift to show the world. Read more>>
Christina Moore
Hummm. Not entirely sure where to start, but here goes. I went to undergrad and law school in Chicago. I went to law school thinking I’d do something with kids. I ended up working full time and going to school at night and getting into real estate law. After meeting my, now husband, in Chicago, I made the move to Atlanta in 2008. Without knowing a lot of people in Atlanta, I dove into my work and things I enjoyed, including coaching soccer and running around the City, which was much hillier than Chicago! Tom and I got married and quickly ended up with 4 kids in three quick years. Read more>>
Derrick Phillips Sr.
And playing the drums quickly took the backseat to my newfound love of visual arts. In the upcoming years, Cole would take me under his wing and mentor me. Allowing me to take part in his artistic journey, creating commissions for Mrs. Monica Kauffman Pearson, Mrs & Mr. Michael Jordan, The Coca Cola Centennial 1996 Olympic Mural, most recently “Soul Ties That Matter” a 20’x55’x2′ Installation at Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, and I currently still assist him in his studio. Read more>>
Deovani Jean
I’ve always been a creative, and I’ve always wanted more out of life—even as a kid. But truthfully, I didn’t recognize myself as a creative until more recently. Growing up, I let other people shape my perspective and my beliefs, and that really detached me from who I was and what I wanted. It left me feeling sad and unfulfilled. For a long time, I felt lost—but even then, I always had this gift: I could create joy for myself and the people around me, even in the darkest moments. That joy, paired with this fire in my chest to do everything people say I can’t, is what’s brought me here. Maybe it’s just a rebel rockstar spirit in me—I don’t fully know—but my intuition tells me to follow it, and I always do. Read more>>
Kitti Murray
Refuge Coffee started as an answer to several what-if questions. And we definitely weren’t the only ones asking…: What if we could gather people from all over the globe to simple “be,” to be safe, welcomed, seen, and appreciated? What if the least welcomed among us and those who have never questioned their right to be here could drink coffee together with no other agenda than to be together? What if refugees–people who have fled violence, persecution, and war–could enjoy employment that not only provided for them financially, but that gave them training and a way to contribute to the well being of our communities. This foundation of welcome is what Refuge was built on. Read more>>
Lucky Goldie
I’m currently producing my first EP, Crows of the Ghetto, which will be released alongside a trilogy of poetry books. I also manage my daughter’s modeling career and homeschool her full-time, teaching through a lens of creativity and truth. Every word I write, beat I produce, or move I make is designed to inspire, educate, and build something eternal. My work isn’t just creative—it’s purposeful. Read more>>
Samantha Kallal
I spent years learning and growing as a Wedding photographer, then when the inevitable burnout hit, I switched gears to something that required even more learning, Newborn photography. That blossomed into offering Cake Smash sessions, baby sessions and of course Maternity portraits. As my tiny clients grew, those sessions they returned for became Family sessions and eventually Senior portraits. Now, I offer a wide range of sessions in studio and on location for almost everything. Read more>>
Bridgett
The years of personal triumphs earning a Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, a Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication, and a Master of Business Administration, as well as professional growth with 25+ years in corporate America and a Retired Navy Reservist, tells the story of a journey that took her to faraway places, introduced her to intoxicating people, and shaped the way she views the world and her place in it. Read more>>
Vince Truong
I asked a lot of questions and wanted to learn as much as I could. When my internship ended, I started working as an engineer there. I recorded anything and anyone, from hip-hop to folk. I also began running sound at Nowhere Bar. From that, I met a ton of people who needed a competent sound guy for other gigs and started working with other venues and bands. I used that experience to eventually start touring as a monitor engineer for Gavin Adcock, who also records at Full Moon Studio. It quickly went from van life, to an RV, to one tour bus, to 2 tour busses all within half a year. It was like a rocket ship and I was lucky enough to be thrown into it. Read more>>
Tyler Taylor
At the age of 16, I was diagnosed with a severe health condition. On the morning of September 24, 2010, I woke up to pain and numbness in the sole of my feet and palm of my hands – it gradually diminished my balance and strength in my legs. It prompted my mom to drive to my primary care phyiscian. He ran multiple tests (e.g. completed blood, urine, etc). He recommended that we drive to the nearest emergency room – which was 45 minutes away at the time – because this issue was too extreme for hiim to resolve Read more>>
Nicole West
One thing I will always be is a mom first – so balancing the needs of my clients with being a mom can prove to be tricky because I want to make everyone happy! I try my hardest to work when the boys are at school only – with the occasional late afternoon appointment or phone chat if needed…I also work on my mood boards when the boys go to bed…being present for them is the most important thing to me. Read more>>
Luiz Fernando / Larissa S. Xavier / C. Dal’Santo
We moved to Russia to pursue our goal of becoming professional ballet dancers, and over the three seasons we worked there, we had the opportunity to perform as soloists and principal characters in many classical ballets. The most meaningful moment for us was dancing Romeo and Juliet together. In 2020, during the pandemic, we started posting videos online about our life as dancers, speaking directly to the Brazilian audience. Initially, our goal was to share with fellow artists in Brazil the experiences we were going through. But as our audience grew and more people became interested in what we were sharing, we decided to create a brand that reflected this idea. We called it Ballet Couple. Read more>>
Keyia Canty
I started with what I could afford and I created five t-shirts. My t-shirts started creating some buzz and before I knew it I was selling t-shirts out of the trunk of my car left and right. I even received out of state orders. I hustled hard, doing pop-up shops, fashion shows, and partnering with a local store owner to get my brand out there as well. I eventually got local models to wear my brand to help spread awareness. I donated some of my shirts to a homey shelter and would often do t-shirt giveaway’s as a way to give back. Read more>>
Hopii Tee
For that song, I went on a solo trip to the beach and I filmed some videos there for the music video, but ended up using it for the lyric video instead. As for Ma Derr, it is written fully in Lao, and I speak about how to make this Laotian dish called Thummukthang. It’s a spicy cucumber salad, that’s typically eaten with sticky rice and any kind of meat; in the song I speak about Lao sausage! Temptation on the other hand, is about the chemistry between two people, just having enjoying each other’s presence. An interesting fact about that one, is that I wrote Temptation while I was chilling in the gym hot tub. Read more>>
Moniqueka Rucker
A broken heart will eventually heal. (Beauty for Ashes). I work in the City of Atlanta for a prosecution agency, I have worked as Legal Specialist Senior and Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) for over 20 years, and I am a Licensed Christian Counselor/Therapist, and I am now currently in a master’s Pre-Licensed Program at Walden University for Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I started as a Warrant Officer, and I continued to grow and learn in the agency. I am very involved in the community outreach programs for the youth through our agency and the City of Atlanta. Read more>>
Kayla Aponte
I’m a photographer who specializes in storytelling—whether it’s the whirlwind joy of a wedding day or the quiet beauty of a mother snuggling her newborn. While I began my career in the wedding world, I’ve recently shifted my focus more toward family and motherhood photography. That space feels incredibly meaningful to me, especially as a mom of three myself. I understand how fast these years go, how chaotic and tender they can be, and how important it is to bottle up those fleeting moments before they pass. Read more>>
Phalan Taylor
The thing that sets me apart from others is the same thing that I specialize in, that is providing genuine, outstanding service. By providing service that shows I care deeply about a family’s well-being, my clients are willing to share me with their community. Majority of my clients were obtained through word of mouth. Read more>>
LaToya Wells
I am a book content creator on IG and an entrepreneur. I’m most proud of the community that I have created. I have met some of the best people and have made some great connections with people through books. I’ve worked with some amazing content creators and authors as well. I love what I have created with my business, BrownBookNerdMerch. I love seeing other black women using my merch to showcase their love for books and reading to the world. Read more>>
Three Panels Press
At Three Panels Press, we invite submissions of poetry, prose, photography and art that engage with our core themes. Whether through the written word or visual imagery, contributors are encouraged to explore the evocative power of art and its capacity to inspire narrative and reflection. Our magazine seeks works that not only respond to art but also illuminate its historical and cultural contexts, providing readers with a multifaceted experience. Read more>>
Naeemah Wilson
My passion for wellness and transformation has been a guiding force throughout my life. Growing up as an athlete, I developed a health-conscious mindset that laid the foundation for my career. This foundation led me to Planet Fitness, where I started as a fitness instructor and quickly ascended through leadership roles. When I relocated to Atlanta, I had the honor of becoming the first Certified Training Manager in our franchise of over 30 locations, a milestone that allowed me to train new managers across the company. In that role, I helped shape the leadership bench across 39 clubs, instilling performance standards, operational consistency, and a culture of accountability. Read more>>
Karrion Lalor-Carr
I smile every time I’m asked this question because the path hasn’t been linear—it’s been soulful, messy, deeply personal, and absolutely worth it. I didn’t come into this work through traditional academic success. In fact, I’ve never considered myself an academic scholar. I had to be truly interested—deeply lit up by a subject—for me to excel in it. What I did come with, however, were natural gifts: empathy, intuition, and a deep sensitivity to the emotional and energetic states of others. Therapy and coaching weren’t just careers I chose; they were vocations that chose me. Read more>>
Ashley Harris
Pretti Girls with A Purpose is dedicated to sisterhood, education, and community service. Every month we have a workshop that is dedicated to the education and growth of our girls. It ranges from financial literacy, college preparation, leadership skills, public speaking and more! The girls have to uphold the Pretti Girl promise which is getting good grades, maintaining a clean social media presence, and possessing the leadership qualities they are being taught inside and outside of Pretti Girls. They are building up their resume’s and gaining hours of community service. These girls are given the. blueprint to succeed! Read more>>
Moniek Garside
From a business perspective, there were growing pains. I had to build my confidence, not just as a clinician, but as an entrepreneur. Creating a private practice and brand that felt authentic and could truly support individuals navigating mental health challenges took time, intention, and trust in myself. I also had to overcome imposter syndrome and give myself permission to take up space in this field. Read more>>
Sheila Jancara Cabrera
My vision is to create a professional laboratory where I can not only continue developing my own formulas to the highest standards, but also help other entrepreneurs bring their own conscious haircare brands to life. I also dream of opening an exclusive head spa where only our products are used creating a sanctuary dedicated to wellness, relaxation, and deep hair and scalp restoration. Read more>>
Gisele Gofman
At BACC, we create spaces for entrepreneurs, executives, and organizations to connect, collaborate, and grow. We host strategic networking events, business workshops, educational programs, and support Brazilian entrepreneurs who want to expand into the U.S. market. One of our missions is to build a strong, supportive business community where people don’t just exchange contacts—they build meaningful partnerships. Read more>>
Chef Chazzy
My journey started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned early that food is a form of healing. Over the years, I blended my background in psychology and healthcare with my love for cooking to create S&S Cookin— a brand rooted in empowerment, connection, and culture. Today, I use food as a tool to bring people together, spark healing conversations, and build experiences that nourish more than just the body. For me, it’s bigger than recipes — it’s about how you’re cookin’ through life. Read more>>
Matt Smith
I’ve been interested in clothing as long as I can remember. When I was a little kid it was dressing up like my favorite athletes to watch them play on TV then it was alt-rock/punk aesthetics and thrift store clothes in middle/high school. I started thrifting at 12 or so and was always drawn to vintage clothing and styles. In a sense I was in the same category as Gen Z is today, nostalgic for a time period I wasn’t around for, but super into how it looked. Read more>>
