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.

Niamh Wilkins

I started photographing my daughter, scenes around our home, authentic little images of our small family. Things that *I* wanted to remember and things that felt important to *me*. I quickly realized that I connected with family, motherhood, and child photography and decided to make the pivot. I wanted to offer other mothers and families the gift that I was able to give myself: beautiful photographs of babies who grow unbearably fast, families that change too quickly, moments that are so worth remembering. Read more>>

Star Miles

Today, I’m a published author, filmmaker, and founder of Piink Productions — building a whole damn empire out of the very things folks once tried to shame me for. And trust, this is just the beginning. I dealt with abuse, a drug addicted father and a whole lot of stuff but I’m still here and still thriving!! Read more>>

Devarine Mclean

I started Bizstart101 as a trial project. My first trip to China was in 2017. I was very active on social media , instagram to be exact while I was on that trip. I noticed that alot of persons kept reaching out to me wanting to know and get the contact information for the vendors I was visiting and shopping with. Being the entrepreneur that I am I immediately got a business idea. Why not sell vendor lists ? I made one post testing the waters and the rest was history. Read more>>

Ananya Vahal

One of the ways I decided to raise funds for The Sid Foundation was by publishing a series of comics called Lung Girl Comics to provide a fun and accessible way for my community to learn about lung health. Lung Girl is a 12-year-old South Asian superhero who protects the world from bad guys and lung disease with her robot sidekick Ecmo. We’ve sold hundreds of copies of the comic around the world since the series was first published in 2016. In addition to educating our community, this comic is helping lung transplant patients pay medical bills and funding lung transplant research in the United States. Lung Girl isn’t just saving lives in her comics. I get to use my writing to help people. This is my proudest achievement to date. Read more>>

Rachael Godwin

I would say that starting your own business always comes with its challenges. Worrying about getting enough bookings, doubting yourself, being unmotivated, comparing yourself to others, and more. I’ve been through it all. I believe that the only way you’ll be successful is if you never give up on the journey. Whether it takes months or years! You have to have the passion to continue even when times get tough. Read more>>

Kristopher Simpson

Not in the slightest haha. I didn’t know almost anything about Twitch, discord, streamer bots, and so on and so forth. I was lost, until my first mod found me and showed me the ways. We went from 47 followers to at over 1k together, with our combined efforts. Not understanding how certain things work and also just being a minority on Twitch has come with challenges from gatekeeping, to racism. Read more>>

Claudette

Now I have my own yard and garden and a love for native plants. I continue his legacy with Native Vibes Plant Nursery. Native Vibes Plant Nursery LLC, is a plant nursery that grows and sells flowers, shrubs, and trees. Everything grown on the flower farm or bought and resold are indigenous to Georgia and the southeast. My business is going into its third year of operation the long-term goal is to provide more support to community gardens and other community-based organizations. Read more>>

Michelle Lindsay

She said she could do it, and I paid half the price I paid my first illustrator. It was a challenge at first because I was very particular about my illustrations, so we went back and forth for a while. Between the celebrations of her cultural holidays, family issues, and her getting sick, my illustrations took longer than I expected. But she and I bonded, and I understood. She came to know what I liked and how I wanted my characters in my book. After two years of us working together on my books, she became the illustrator for all six books. Read more>>

Whit Lane

Hooked on the production and collaboration of Editorial photography. Those would be the opportunities I would continue to look for, early on as an assistant and later as a retoucher. It was an incredible learning and life experience and opened up opportunities that were so grand that it was sorta easy to overlook I wasn’t making any of my own photography. Read more>>

Christina “Stina B” Bonner

I’ve always been the funny one — cracking jokes since I was a kid. Comedy was always in the back of my mind, but I never knew how to step into it professionally. That all changed thanks to an unexpected nudge from the CIO at my job at the time. *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel* had just started gaining popularity, and he suggested I watch it — and maybe even consider comedy for myself. That spark led to my very first set, which I performed at a company rally. I was nervous, but the response was incredible. People were coming up to me afterward like, “You really do this?” And in that moment, something clicked. Read more>>

Sterling Morris

I started my career in finance, spending over a decade in Corporate & Investment Banking and consulting. I worked with early-stage founders, growing companies and large corporations — helping close more than $3 billion in M&A deals. Along the way, I worked my way up to a Director role at Equifax before turning 30, and held positions at firms like Raymond James, KeyBanc, and Fifth Third. Today, I stay involved through leadership roles with ACG Atlanta and the Emerging 100 of Atlanta. Read more>>

Tony Betton Jr.

Now, I serve as Director of Programs & Communications for Usher’s New Look. I get to mentor and lead the next wave of creatives, helping them find their voice, build careers, and create content that means something. On top of that, I run The REP Zone, a platform I created to highlight culture, community, and conversations that matter. Whether it’s red carpets or classrooms, I show up to help people rep who they are and why they do what they do. Read more>>

Anjali & Asha Gowda

It has also been challenging because we are both in high school and attend different schools, which means our breaks don’t always align. This makes it difficult to plan camp dates outside of summer. Sometimes, we have to work on planning and preparing during busy school weeks, which can be stressful, but it is rewarding in the end. Read more>>

Alicia Maddox

As my career in real estate flourished, so did my desire to create meaningful spaces for women. That passion gave rise to Mom Social Club, a community-driven platform that supports, connects, and empowers local moms through events, resources, and shared experiences. It’s a space where women — especially new moms like me — can show up as they are, feel seen, and build lasting friendships. Read more>>

Sean Haynes

It’s very colorful and unique. ¹The work is done in several mediums like wood and paper. I’ve been privileged to participate in numerous art shows, exhibits, auctions, and galleries. I have several artworks that have been acquired through public acquisitions, art collectors, and art lovers. I currently have a Solo show at the Arts Xchange in their Jack Sinclair Gallery (jacksinclairgallery@artsxchange.org). The exhibit is called Journey of the Spirit: The Multi-Dimensional Artistry of Sean Haynes. The opening reception is June 14, 2025. The Artist Talk and show closing is July 19, 2025. I’m living my passion. Read more>>

Steven & Christopher Hicks

Now, as a father myself, I see childhood through a new lens. Watching my kids grow has inspired me to revive Afro Panda with greater purpose—to create content that encourages imagination, curiosity, and emotional growth. Afro Panda doesn’t speak; he learns and grows alongside children, reflecting real-life imperfections and wonder. Ultimately, our mission is to use both Young Troubled Minds and Afro Panda to connect generations through storytelling, creativity, and truth. Read more>>

David Simmons III Kayden Simpson

We poured so much energy, time, money, and effort into our podcast to the points of sometimes burning out. We stayed persistent and continued to push and grow. Through those challenges we’ve had multiple magazine features; CanvasRebel, Bold Journey and even in our earlier days we were right here in this same spot connecting with our audience here on VoyageATL. We’ve touched people across the world. We are now 3 seasons in with more connections and memories than ever and we are ready to continue to share our Vision with the world. Read more>>

Shakirah Clark

One of the biggest challenges came recently: I had a baby just 7 months ago. Becoming a mother shifted everything. My schedule, my energy, my priorities—everything had to be rebalanced. There were moments I questioned whether I could keep going with my business while showing up fully as a mom. But instead of slowing down, it pushed me to work smarter, focus harder, and create a life that honors both parts of who I am. Read more>>

Tyler Gordon

Chef Tyler Gordon, a Georgia native with a deep-rooted love for food, instilled in me by my family’s culinary traditions. Nearly a decade ago, I set out to broaden my culinary horizons and challenge myself. I’ve been fortunate to work in diverse settings, from the refined kitchens of Kennesaw’s country club, to the fast-paced world of high-volume catering with Truist Park and Marriott Marquis, where I earned my first Sous Chef Title. Read more>>

Olga Pyshnyak-Lawrence

Growing up as a Ukrainian immigrant child in the U.S. was challenging. Kids would make fun of my accent, my different perspective, the way I saw the world. But instead of letting that break me, it became the foundation of my mission today – helping others embrace their authenticity and reject societal mediocrity. Read more>>

Damon Peterson

I relocated to Atlanta two years ago, having made the deliberate decision to leave Connecticut and pursue a career in music. Following my graduation from Central Connecticut State University, where I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and a minor in Psychology, I reassessed my priorities. While my interest in law persisted, my passion for singing ultimately took precedence, leading me to embark on a new career path in Atlanta, Georgia. Read more>>

Ashlee Holness

I started officially providing my food services for catering and meal preps. . I started streaming on video games on twitch and posting more on social media. Volunteering my services for nonprofit organizations dear to my heart for social media managing and creation. I work with businesses like Aspirational Allies Counseling Services – Made by Miazia, LLC , nonprofits like The Hannah Green Foundation, and The Austin Tyler Foundation. Most recently appearing on The 1Dripaholics podcast. Read more>>

Alison

Then came my first CrossFit workout. I remember the coach explaining we’d be doing a workout called Helen and that it would only take around 10-15 minutes. My initial thought? “This is going to be a waste of time—how could such a short workout ever deliver results?” Fast forward to round two, and I was genuinely questioning if I’d even make it through. But once I finished, I knew there was no turning back. That old routine was done for. Read more>>

Devyn Gipson

With the support of my husband and daughter, who are truly my “why”, I built my coaching career from a place of sisterhood and community. I’m not just here to train bodies; I’m here to help women shift their mindset, build confidence and embrace a version of themselves they didn’t even know was possible. Over the years, I’ve learned that fitness is not one-size-fits-all, especially for women. What works for one season may not work for another and I’ve built my coaching philosophy around helping women navigate those seasons. Read more>>

Andre Melson

Navigating the path as an artist has been challenging, primarily due to the oversight of not recognizing the importance of having a business mindset in the creative industry. One of the major hurdles and setbacks I faced was my failure to educate myself on essential aspects such as contracts, publishing rights, copyrights, and self-investments as an artist. Read more>>

John Brooks

This gap inspired me to create Black Car Select. Starting with just one vehicle and a laser focus on quality, I launched a limo service in Atlanta that would redefine the meaning of premium ground transportation. Today, we are proud to offer one of the most reliable and respected ATL limousine service experiences available—not just for airport transfers, but also for wedding limousine service in Atlanta, prom limo service in Atlanta, graduation limousine service in Atlanta, bar mitzvah limo service in Atlanta, and corporate limo service in Atlanta. Read more>>

Erika Cortes

I worked tirelessly to put myself through college, earning a B.S. in International Affairs from Georgia State. During my studies, I had the opportunity to study abroad in France. Captivated by the country’s beauty, I decided to branch out and independently study at Sciences Po in Strasbourg, where 90% of the courses were in French. Learning a third language at a college and political level taught me that success requires more than sacrifice—it demands discipline, courage, and pushing past fear. Read more>>

Staci Slack

Healing Hands Diagnostic Lab began from a deeply personal place, built on the foundation of my home healthcare agency, Healing Hands Private Care. Through years of running that agency, I witnessed firsthand how many clients struggled to access timely, affordable diagnostic services. That gap between care and diagnostics inspired a vision to create a solution that was accessible, mobile, and community-focused. Read more>>

Sarah Gee Miller

I’m mad for high design from the 70s, the space-age futurism combined with earthy pragmatism, and I wanted to see art reflect that. I began a decades-long exploration of form, color and expression. Painting with authenticity takes time, and only now am I truly grasping my own vision. I was lucky, my work proved popular quite quickly, and I was picked up by several galleries, and had shows in Portland, Vancouver, Washington DC. I am able to work full time in my studio, which is a drafty converted garage, and keep pushing my work and seeing how far it takes me. Read more>>

Richerra Bell

Fast forward January 2023 I was invited to be an extra on the set of a movie (from a local rapper who had since then transitioned to acting, Joshua Farmer) I reluctantly agreed. Once I got on set I was intrigued (I mean I wasn’t new to this in a way because I’d performed in stage plays) it was different but something I had admired for years. I continued to be an extra in a few films until I landed my first break out role as a lead(My Husbands Mistress directed by Robert L Parker) in 2024. I’ve been perfecting this and grinding ever since putting me at 11 Film productions to date and counting. Read more>>

Marion Hofmann

As I’m also a full-time worker, I scaled back the experience factor for now to “Unique Walking Tours” in Greensboro, NC, where I reside. I love to interact with my guests, give them something “special,” and have them learn about my second home. All my tours are tiny in numbers but huge in experience. Read more>>

Lekeia Daniels

No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. With the over saturation of makeup artists in the industry, especially Atlanta, I struggled in the beginning to gain clientele. Also, I would look at some of the makeup artists that inspire me and try to compare myself. Thinking like that, I would sometimes second guess myself and if the makeup industry is really for me. But to overcome my own personal obstacles, I found my own niche within makeup artistry and brought to life Lekeia Bianca Makeup Artistry! Read more>>

Courteney Sykes

Panther Communications is a student-run public relations firm that I founded in 2024 during my time as a student at Clark Atlanta University. As a proud HBCU alumna and former president of Clark Atlanta’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) from 2022 to 2025, I recognized a gap in opportunity for Black students to gain real-world experience in the communications field. Having grown up in Quincy, Florida, and entering CAU with a passion for storytelling and social impact, I’ve always been committed to amplifying underrepresented voices, especially those of Black and brown communities. Read more>>

Suzie Merheb

My story is anything but traditional — I started as a music journalist and media creator in Sydney, Australia, filming raw, unfiltered interviews with underground artists and major names. I’ve always been obsessed with the behind-the-scenes chaos of music and culture, so I built a platform that captured that energy. Read more>>

Arlene James

For a long time, my focus was on raising my kids and supporting my family. Creativity was always in me I had a sewing machine, and I was sewing since I lived in New York, when I moved to Georgia in 2004 I was sewing for my home making draperies, I had clients and customers but my focus shifted to taking care of my kids and educating myself as I went through a divorce but it wasn’t something I had the time or space to fully lean into. Life was busy. I was working, being a mom, showing up where I was needed, going to school and trying to survive my situation, it was also not an entrepreneurial world as it is currently. Read more>>

Tris Marie Sutherland

I started with just my own goals that I put on myself, made a plan to make those goals happen, and just decided to be bold enough to put one foot forward one after the other even when I had no idea where it might take me. Being open to wherever my feet led me I believe is what helped me to begin to end up where I want to be. I am not at any “end goal” yet, but I really don’t think I’ll ever “arrive” per say. Mainly because I want to keep growing and being open to where life needs me to be. Read more>>

Toneshia Williams

August of 2024 xoxobookbabe was created and I owe it all to my bookbabes for where I am now. The book community has been nothing but loving and supportive of me and my craft. The love was overwhelming( the good kind) They welcomed me with open arms not knowing anything about me besides the love we share for books. They keep me going. I have never been apart of something so fulfilling and genuine I can’t tell them enough how much they mean to me! Read more>>

Derek Jackson

She kinda inspired me too, she use to rap as well. I never really took it serious when I was young because I use to worry about what my ppl would say or think about it. So I would always write music and only just rap it to my potnas. But I wanna say like 2020 or 2021, I lost a real close friend, he was a producer/a&r, he died on my birthday. I was on my way to Houston when I found out. I got super drunk that night. When I shook back, I told my brother, “man I wanna rap, let’s go to the studio”. That’s when it all started, it took a lil getting used to, but I just kept working and working and I got good at it. Read more>>

Randoll Garcia

My love for storytelling really started with cameras and movies. As a kid, I was always drawn to the way films could make you feel, how you could walk away inspired, emotional, or just thinking differently. That stuck with me. I started messing around with cameras just for fun, but the more I did it, the more I realized I wasn’t just recording stuff, I was telling stories. Those stories could actually last and mean something to people. Read more>>

Chef Chuck Cleveland

I originally started my catering journey in NY. I moved to Brooklyn around 2011. Brooklyn which has a heavy Caribbean presence made me want to learn more about the culture and the food. Although I am a southern chef I also specialize in many different cuisines and over the years picked up a few new ones including Caribbean fare. It was rough for me with finding work and adjusting to the area and from that I was asked the question of what I was going to do, be a mechanic or run with the food and I chose the food and now 14yrs later I’ve thrived, failed and thrived again but hey, that’s the business. Read more>>