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.

Temi Erinle

Another challenge has been working with clients who have big visions but limited budgets. Some clients come with high expectations for elaborate decorations, but their budgets don’t always match the vision. It can be tricky, but I do my best to explain what’s possible within their budget and still deliver something beautiful and memorable. It’s taught me to be more creative, flexible, and honest in my communication. Read more>>

Samantha Krantz

With a clinical focus on pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatric care, Dr. Krantz brings specialized expertise and compassion to every patient she serves. She has completed hundred of hours of additional training in pediatric and perinatal care, working toward her diplomate with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, and is certified in the Webster Technique, a specialized method designed to optimize pelvic alignment and comfort during pregnancy. Her care is centered on supporting families at every stage of life. Read more>>

Chaquoya Brown

I started braiding my own hair and close relative’s hair at 14, just for fun. By the time I got to college, I realized I could turn my skill into a side hustle, so I started braiding in my dorm room during my freshman year. At first, it was just a way to make extra money for necessities and little things to get through school. But as word spread and my clientele grew, I saw the potential to turn this into something bigger. I started taking my business more seriously—learning about pricing, time management, and customer service. Eventually, after evaluating my talents and skills, I turned my side hustle into a full-time business, and that decision completely changed the trajectory of my career. Read more>>

Antonio Miller

I define success by the amount of people that I help heal from abuse or heal from any trauma that they’re facing. It is not just about personal achievements, but about the positive impact I can make in the lives of others. Each individual who finds healing and restoration represents a milestone of success, reflecting a journey toward resilience and hope. Success, to me, is the collective healing of those I support and the transformation of their lives as they move forward. Read more>>

Brittany Russell

Like many entrepreneurs, the journey wasn’t linear. I paused the business for a while to focus on other ventures and personal growth, but the vision never left me. In 2024, I relaunched PMClothingonline.com with a refreshed purpose and a clearer brand identity. This time around, I’m more intentional — from our sage green and soft white branding that reflects calm elegance, to curating pieces that speak to the modern woman’s lifestyle. Read more>>

Lacey Griffin

This road so far has not been smooth. My journey has been bumpy, curvy and off road riding. I have struggled with learning curves with techniques and machinery, the typical small business take down attempts and battling myself within. I will say the best thing you can do is surround yourself with people who will wipe out your inventory when you arrive to a get together after you’ve worked an event. It’s people like that who believe in you and support you so hard you have no choice but to succeed. Read more>>

Candace Bell

Going though changes from a 15 year old girl who started to create content, to now a 18 year old young woman who is discovering herself. It hasn’t always been smooth. No one is the same person they were when they were 15. I went through physical changes and mindset changes. Creating content on social media when I was 15, I knew what I wanted to do, but as I grew up, I felt like what I did wasn’t allowing me to grow. I wanted to try different things outside my comfort zone. Even now as a 18 year old young woman, I’m still discovering new things. But through all the changes, my goal remains the same. Read more>>

Dr. Michael Woodward, Jr.

It’s full of late nights, early mornings, and I hope/think this will land well within my intended audiences. Too often then not, doubt, regret, and imposter syndrome lingers quite closely. I’ve lost count in how many times I’ve quite on projects and books I’ve dreamed of writing when I close my eyes. Yet, through the strength of my village inclusive of my wife, father and both of my mothers I can find the motivation in arm’s reach. Even my siblings and fraternity brothers (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.) keep me grounding and pushed to stay within this fight. Read more>>

Kierstyn Alysse

I started off as an artists, singer-songwriter in my hometown Memphis, Tn. I was in musical theatre plays such as The Wiz, Lion King, and Annie at the age of 7. By attending performing arts schools such as Colonial Middle School and Overton High School, I was able to acquire skills in creative writing, piano, and vocal music. In addition to that, I attended Stax Music Academy, where I performed with live bands and developed techniques of doing live shows, production, and music theory. During my time at Stax I worked with and received knowledge from creatives like Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, and Danja. At the age of 15 I was co-writing songs for Artist in the Memphis area. Read more>>

Kierra Brown

In 2011, I graduated from Fort Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, finishing with a 3.52 GPA. That same year, I also became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. But after graduation, life hit hard. It took me almost a year to find work. During that time, I relied on unemployment and government assistance while raising my newborn son. That season of my life was humbling but it built my resilience. Read more>>

Omisegun Adegboro

In 2024, I launched Voices of IWA, my first podcast, to create space for stories often left untold—women living their destinies out loud, grounded in ancestral wisdom. The first season culminated in the Real Women Inspire Summit in March 2025, where 100 women from across the country gathered to celebrate sisterhood, spirit, and service. Every step of the way, my goal has been to honor tradition while building a future rooted in authenticity, connection, and legacy. Read more>>

Kylie Rain

For me personally, this road can be like rush hour with the two right lanes shut down. I’ve gotten much further than a lot of women who try to model in Atlanta, but there’s simply not a market out here. People out here don’t want to compensate for work, so while there’s plenty of businesses, the opportunities can short to nothing. A struggle I personally face is finances. What most people don’t know is it can require a lot of money and sacrifices to become an established model. If you’re not willing to travel for long periods of time or have the money to invest into yourself, it can be a very tricky game of just trying to be recognized. Read more>>

Kasey Shuler

That first book led to several others, and connected me to a dietitian in Oklahoma who shared similar views. We were both so tired of battling our bodies, and found a way to enjoy health through a foundation of grace and intuitive eating. She wrote a book on nutrition, I wrote one on movement, so we put our knowledge base together and filmed an online course to help women step away from food fixation and learn to listen to their bodies for better health and well being. I am now the CEO of that endeavor, called the Joyful Health Collective, and represent in-person training in Athens and online education through joyfulhealth.co. I get to help so many women break free from the tyranny of diet culture, and I wouldn’t trade impact for status for a million dollars (even a million dollars tax-free)! Read more>>

Laurie Gooseff

As an artist, my passion for creativity has been with me for as long as I can remember. Art was always more than a hobby—it was a way for me to express myself and explore the world around me. I’ve always been inspired by bold, expressive styles. Artists like Matisse and Andy Warhol captured my imagination early on with their vibrant colors, exaggerated shapes, and fearless experimentation. Their innovative approaches continue to influence how I think about composition, color, and originality in my own work. Read more>>

Alex Pryber

So far, the road has not been very smooth for me. It all started after college when I decided to move to Atlanta in November of 2019. Unfortunately this was terrible timing and was followed by the Covid pandemic. I ended up having to move back in with my parents for a few years. When I was looking to move back to Atlanta I also had to worry about the writer and actor strike that brought the film industry to a halt delaying my move another year. I was finally able to move back to Atlanta last year and the film industry is still recovering after the strikes. Read more>>

Ryn Thompson

My partner was invited to a ball as this character from this series we had just read, something we also found on booktok, and when we realized we could be doing live immersive improvisational theater across the country, and the world even, we knew that this was something we wanted to do. So now I am not only an actor, a writer, and singer, but I also have the joy and the honor of being able bring these character I get to read about alive for people to experience at balls and events. I am grateful for all the events that I have had the chance to work at and will work at in the future. I just hope and will forever be working towards my goal of bring fantasy and a world of creativity to the lives of others through my craft and through my performances. Read more>>

Greta Anderson

My journey has been an interesting one, like most people. My career began in the corporate research and consulting space in the late 90s, and has evolved from there. And though I had a great corporate career going, I knew early on I was meant to be an entrepreneur. I eventually set out on my own, and had great success in a variety of startups. But in a few years, I had an opportunity to partner with some seasoned business professionals, where I became a co-owner of a manufacturing company. This experience is where I learned lots about really building a business. With that, we went from total startup to a successful (brand and manufacturer) exit (via sale) about 13 years later. Read more>>

Rida Khan

Starting my own venture was scary and filled with constant doubt, “what if I’m not successful, what if I get no bookings” filled my head day and night. Finally on a random Tuesday night I went to my husband and said, “I’m doing it! I’m going to launch The Waffle Cart” and impulsively shared my first post. I was constantly refreshing my page and the amount of support and love I was getting was beyond my wildest dreams! I was over the moon! A few weeks after I booked my first corporate event at Salesforce celebrating their birthday and have been attending events and serving up a whole-waffle love ever since! Read more>>

Danita Tolbert

Nothing worth having is ever easy but perseverance is the key. I would have to say the hardest struggle has been getting others to see and be receptive to what you do as it pertains to our consistency products even when you show proof of health changes for the better ie lower BP, lower cholesterol, lower A1C, less medication etc. Now, those moderation products ie cakes and pies, human nature allows no question just when can I get it! This is one reason why I’ve chosen to make these products available by special request and seasonal only. Read more>>

Allan Davis

It was around 2017 when I began my woodworking journey literally on the floor of my garage, gathering old handtools from antique stores, teaching myself to restore and use them from YouTube videos. This coincided with me finding my love for tabletop role playing games. Growing up I had played D&D video games, read the books and been fascinated with the monster manuals in the bookstore but never had the chance to play. Read more>>

Zahra Bhimani

Definitely not a completely smooth road — but that’s part of the adventure! In the early days, I was wearing all the hats: planner, marketer, host, and even therapist when people needed a little pep talk before mingling. There were moments of doubt — like wondering if anyone would actually show up, or how to gracefully handle unexpected hiccups. Read more>>

Dorothee Rechenberg

At The Dot Yoga, we hold our classes outdoors to offer a gentle yoga experience immersed in nature, allowing participants to connect deeply with the beautiful surroundings of Atlanta. One of the main challenges we face is the weather—rainy days can disrupt our sessions, and securing an indoor space that’s both available and spacious enough can be difficult. Read more>>

Aaliyah Serrano

Because of that, I discovered my love of all things beauty. My interests led me to pursue jobs that were centered around the administrative side of the beauty industry, and these experiences really changed my life. To see the connection service providers and their clients have ignited something in me, I wanted to be in the treatment room! I decided to make a change in my life, so I quit college and began an esthetician apprenticeship at the lash studio I managed. COVID put a pause to that journey but I didn’t give up. I got my esthetician license in 2021 and since then I have successfully treated client’s skin concerns, specializing in acne and hyper-pigmentation. Read more>>

Shakira Brown Rice

Although none of them had a formal education, they were the wisest women I’ve ever known. They had mastered the art of “in all thy getting, get understanding.” They showed me that being fully present and intentional in every situation—seeking true comprehension and awareness—leads to a kind of wisdom that money can’t buy.  Read more>>

Kameron Angel

And that’s when I really fell in love with photography and wanted to learn as much as I could. Once I graduated I moved to Dallas for a couple years where I did some workshops held by local creatives that I can’t thank enough. I also followed some really influential photographers as well like jordanluke, stretchlifevisuals, and jsquared who are always putting people on game and creating amazing work. All in all, it’s the people I’ve met along the way that have gotten me to where I am. Special thanks to my friends though. They have allowed me to practice and hone my craft more than anybody. If you look at my instagram page, you’ll see a lot of the same faces. Don’t know where I’d be without them. Read more>>

Sunday Eason

I loved the romance, the emotions, and the creative freedom to connect and tell couples stories. It felt like this was something God had created me to do. in 2022 I started taking every opportunity to second shoot for other filmmakers in the area and I did a few styled shoots with local vendors which ultimately led to my first booking in March 2023. I worked at a country club for two years while building my business up through working on my skills, knowledge, and connection with local wedding vendors. I eventually went full time April 2023, moved to Rome, Ga, got married myself in 2024, and all of my experiences has only strengthened my passion in what I do. Read more>>

Jaidyn Marie

I’m originally from New Haven, Connecticut — a city that taught me grit and ambition early. I grew up in dance and theatre, and even as a kid, I knew I wanted to be a household name. I’ve always had that drive to create something of my own. I remember being eight years old, selling my Happy Meal toys so I could have my own money the next time someone asked if I had McDonald’s money. That moment really captures who I’ve always been — resourceful, independent, and determined. Read more>>

Paula Ayala

We started small registering our company in Cobb County, promoting our work on social media, and opening a pop-up shop at Painted Tree Boutique, where we sold personalized shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, gifts, and more. Our mission has always been to create meaningful, custom pieces that help people celebrate life’s moments, whether that’s a family reunion, a university event, or a business promotion. Read more>>

Dr. Shay Thomas, LMFT

I had my fair share of fogginess and setbacks. I changed majors, schools, specializations, and cities. I wrestled with confusion, split loyalty, and expectations of others. I faced critique from others who questioned my decisions. In hindsight, I’m grateful for how detours and doubt ultimately benchmark stories of resilience and grace. Once things start rolling career-wise, maintaining good boundaries and time management can become a struggle. The burden of grief also has a way of throwing you off course. While still a work in progress, I have grown in making time as a mental health professional to nurture my somatic and creative passions. Read more>>

Kellan Spears

Not long after attending the kart race, we found a marketplace race ready kart to get started. After my parents decided I was really interested, we purchased a new kart and finished 4th in my first series, not terrible for my first time! After 6-7 years and multiple dirt oval placements and three championships later, I tried an asphalt road course kart. I never turn back and won a championship in my first season! Since then, I moved up a class to continue to improve my skills! Read more>>

Dezaray Hood

There were so many moments I felt like giving up. There were seasons where business was slow, or I doubted the quality of my work and whether I was really making progress. One of the hardest parts has been feeling like I wasn’t making the connections I should’ve been—like it was just me and my brand, stuck in a bubble while everyone else was advancing. That kind of isolation can be discouraging. But through all of that, my faith in Christ has truly held me together. I believe this is something He called me to do, and even in the quiet seasons, that calling keeps me going. Read more>>

Beyonce McCrary

What I created wasn’t just a class. It was a space. A free art class with community at its center—where people came not just to improve their drawings, but to make friends, support each other, and feel like they belonged somewhere. The classroom expanded beyond TikTok. I built a Google Classroom where students from all over the world—South Africa, the Middle East, London—joined to learn, grow, and uplift one another. We celebrated each other’s wins, gave feedback with love, and made space for every skill level. Read more>>

Charity Gherardini

The last two years have been a wild ride but so fun and we’re not slowing down any time soon! We’ve been able to share our rooms with teams from Toyo, Voestalpine, Chickfila Corporate, Youth Leadership Bartow, numerous churches, clubs, and ball teams and celebrated over 200 birthdays, from ages 8-72! Our thought process for escape rooms is a little bit different- our rooms are immersive and original concept, you’ll never find or play one of our games in another escape room somewhere else, and we always have a few WOW moments, whether its a laser gun fight, a waterfall feature or a floor that gives way. We also want our customers (Agents, if you will) to have a great time – we help them as little or as much as they want when playing one of our rooms. Hearing their laughter and cheers, shouts of delight, and maybe a little surprise, is the best! Read more>>

Shawn Buchan

Growing and mentoring team agents is something that Shawn takes pride in and continues to feed into the growth and knowledge of everyone at Shawn Buchan Realty Group. Through top-notch training of team agents and administrative staff, the Shawn Buchan Realty Group is able to provide 5 Star Customer Service and a high level of knowledge and expertise when it comes to representing each and every client. Read more>>

Ken Freeman

As a Black entrepreneur from a small town, I wanted to build a fashion house that not only disrupted the norm but also inspired inclusivity and excellence. What began as sketches and small concepts grew into a global vision: to create the first major U.S.-born fashion house that stands firmly for ethical practices and artistic innovation. Each collection—from couture lines like Phoenix to hiking-inspired adventure wear—reflects our commitment to quality, storytelling, and a fusion of classic and avant-garde design. Read more>>

Garth Warner II

My cousin sent me a flyer for a basketball movie that was auditioning in my home state of Delaware. I went to the tryouts and eventually got a call back to be in the movie. The movie was Adam Sandler’s Hustle which was filmed in Philadelphia. While on set, they were auditioning the basketball players for a speaking role in the film. Out of all 25 of us that were casted they selected me and that’s how my acting journey began. Read more>>

Cambria Zyaire

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Being a woman in a male-dominated industry comes with its own set of challenges and that’s on top of navigating life, motherhood, and everything in between. I’ve had to make a lot of adjustments along the way, but I’ve embraced the journey. Even when it’s tough, I remind myself it’s all part of the process and it’ll be worth it. Read more>>

NIKKI DUFF

I have always had a love for organization. Growing up my mom was the same way so seeing how she did things made me fall in love with the look of everything having a place from home to office organization. I organized for friends for most of my life at no cost but after being part of a a women’s retreat and taking a course on healing and purpose…Tailor Made Concepts was birthed. I was in denial about it at first because I was like people will NOT pay for this service. All of a sudden when I started getting on social media…all things organization was popping up so I was like OK God…I will take the next steps and do what you’re telling me to do. Read more>>