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.
Jay Cancel
They were everything to me growing up, a way for me to cope and a way for me to also believe in happy endings. I had come across The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, which had been a gift from my mother. The way I loved this book, something about holding it again made me need to immerse myself back into the story. I have always felt like books were my friends, a constant I could always depend on when I couldn’t rely on anyone else and that urge came back to re-connect with this book. However, this time something was different. Read more>>
Rodney Lawrence
I immediately brought the program back to the agency at the East Point location and it took off from there.It went from 1 center having the program to all 16 sites. It was an overwhelming demand for me to come out to schools , churches and conferences which I still do today outside of the All Pro Dad program. In 2006 I was selected All Pro Dad volunteer of the year by The Family First program which base out Tampa and are creators of the All Pro Dad . This lead. to start my on. business in helping Read more>>
Grace Lee
I then sold my business and became a private investor. Unaware of what to do next, I moved to New York in 2018 and got curious about venture capital and spread my wings. In 2024, I joined Profluence Capital as a venture partner and entered the world of sports. Now I get to work at the intersection of sports, entertainment, finance, & startups. It’s an unconventional path but it was organic and has led me to work with some amazing projects and grow professionally and personally. Read more>>
Senell Young
Well I started out with the idea and then brought it to life with just a name and some old vessels that I had from other candles I had laying around the house. I would melt the used candles down and make candles that way and then little by little I would purchase things like wax and wicks to see what I liked best. In 2023 I had a major surgery that landed me in the hospital for 2 months and then in rehab after that and that was a set back for me but I am well and I am here and ready to show the world my product. It did take me some time to get to where I am but I made and I am so proud of myself and looking forward to nothing but red carpet events from here on out. Read more>>
Keziah Kegler
In 2023, I moved to Albany and transferred to a new high school. It was another fresh start, but I leaned in and promoted myself everywhere I could. I started doing the hair of my classmates, teachers’ children and wives, which opened doors I never expected. I began to realize I had built something real—a loyal client base. They trusted me, showed up month after month, and made it clear that I wasn’t just a hairstylist—I was their hairstylist. Read more>>
Julia Jenkins
I am a handpoke tattoo artist! That means my process is machine-free and I create the tattoos by individual pokes with a needle instead of using a machine. I love to tattoo different subject matter and styles, but I’d say i’m most known for my delicate florals and ornamental designs and other fine line work. Many tattoo artists may start with handpoking and eventually move on to working with a machine. There are not as many artists using this method, and even less doing a style similar to mine, and that’s what I think sets me apart and has clients coming to me for artwork. Read more>>
Takiyah Watkins
Years prior, my daughter had introduced me to the concept of rage rooms after seeing them online and said how we needed one in Athens. At the time, I didn’t think much of it. But during those dark, heavy days, the idea came back to me and it made perfect sense. The idea of having a space where people could experience “controlled chaos” as a form of release and healing really resonated with us. Read more>>
Jesse Nelson
Pretty soon, I noticed other businesses around me struggling to get found online. I offered to help a few of them as a freelancer—nothing big, just word of mouth—and one thing led to another. For the first couple of years, it was just me doing the work. But demand kept growing, and I reached the point where I needed to build a real company around it. That’s when Simpleman Digital Marketing was officially born. Read more>>
Lucky Duck
Lucky Duck is a captivating jam-fusion band, originally from Harrisonburg, Virginia, now based out of Athens, Georgia . Known for their electrifying performances and seamless blending of genres, Lucky Duck delivers a high-energy experience that is not to be missed. Whether you’re a fan of intricate guitar solos, tight drumming, or groovy bass lines, Cartwheels has something for everyone. Read more>>
Li Tang Chen
My path to UX wasn’t really a straight line. About ten years ago, I began my career as a video editor. At the same time, I worked part-time at a small ukulele shop. Long story short, I ended up running the whole shop myself. I stayed there for three years. It wasn’t a huge business or anything, but it became a place people loved. Customers would come in just to hang out, play music, talk about life, and sometimes drink and sing together. That place felt like a second home for many people, and for me too. Read more>>
Briona Wyche
To be honest, I just recently got comfortable taking full body pictures. It took me a couple of years to accept my amputation and using a prosthetic leg. Seeing it in a photo, once upon a time, use to sadden me deeply up until recent. What make me unique is that even though we all have scars, seen and/or unseen, we can still allow that light of ours to shine thru the world with resilience and fierce because we made it. I’ve been so comfortable dimming my light with fear of naysayers and haters and impossible expectations. Now, I am no longer afraid to be who I am now and I only continue to inspire others to do the same. Read more>>
Jasmine Cato
I’m originally from New York, but I’ve been living in Georgia since 2011. I’ve always enjoyed creating since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until I moved here that I truly recognized my passion for it. In 2017, I started working at a local art store, and I can honestly say that’s when everything changed for me. I had the chance to explore different mediums, which broadened my technical skillset, and I was able to connect with artists at various stages in their careers. Those conversations gave me valuable insight into many aspects of being a professional artist. Working in such an arts focused environment, it enviably lead me to my current style. Read more>>
Cierra Acker
My journey into running began in an unexpected way. I had hit a plateau in my weight loss journey after struggling with the difficult symptoms of PCOS. When I shared my experience online, I was met with harsh criticism and unsolicited advice—most of it encouraging me to “just run more” to lose weight. That backlash fueled something in me, and ironically, out of spite, I started running. Read more>>
Catyia Cable
It’s been a pretty smooth ride, and I’ve learned so much along the way, like how to price my work and how much I can handle so I don’t spread myself too thin. I got married in 2022 and moved to Marietta, Georgia with my husband, and in 2023 we had our sweet baby boy. I started Cake Pop Cat in 2024, so it was definitely a wild time trying to figure out how to run everything while also being a first-time mom and finishing my bachelor’s degree online. Honestly, I couldn’t have done it without my amazing husband, he’s been such a huge help and support through it all. Read more>>
Gaby Chavarria
Whether it’s your first home, your forever home, or just figuring out where to start — I’m not here to pressure you. I’m here to guide you, pray with you (if you’d like), and celebrate every milestone with you. Read more>>
Daphane Handy
That led me into the branding world. What started as just helping friends with their websites and content turned into a full-blown business, BXD USA. I didn’t have a blueprint, just a lot of faith, a laptop, and a whole lot of late nights. Over time, I built a brand around helping other people build theirs. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients, created digital products, ran events, and slowly turned what felt like hustle into a real, sustainable business. Read more>>
Shelly Pryor Drake
Through these pages, I aim to help others see death not as an end but as an integral part of life—a transition that can be met with peace rather than pain. By embracing grief with the peace of God, we can rise above the suffering and find solace in the enduring love and lessons left behind by those we have lost. My prayer is that this book serves as a beacon of hope, helping readers to conquer the anguish of loss and find comfort in the divine promise of eternal life and enduring grace. Read more>>
Dr. JoeDrell Benjamin
In a world where adversity often silences voices, Dr. JoeDrell Benjamin—better known as Sista Jay Jay—has chosen to amplify hers. Once labeled an ex-felon, today she is a multi-hyphenate powerhouse: a filmmaker, actor, serial entrepreneur, publisher, podcaster, mentor, acting coach, life coach, and above all, a voice for the voiceless. Her journey is not just one of redemption—it’s a triumphant symphony of resilience, purpose, and unstoppable faith. Read more>>
Alejandra Chavez
Since I was very young, I have been drawn to creating spaces that positively impact people’s lifestyles. I initially began studying architecture because interior design wasn’t yet a widely recognized field in my home country, Guadalajara, Mexico. However, I quickly realized that my true passion lay in interior design, so I made the switch and completed a two-year technical degree in Interior Design in Mexico. Read more>>
Jennifer Elinburg
It is providing opportunities to put more employees to work and allowing us to spread the mission of Brightside Cafe. Our goal is to become the place everyone wants to come to work, play, and gain relationship! We have recently built a patio outside that allows for friends, families, and kids to come play, socialize, and make memories at Brightside. Our prayer is that Brightside will set an example for the businesses in our community that employing adults and teens with special abilities is the right thing to do. Read more>>
Bertha Barrett
That psychology course inspired me to switch my major and earn my bachelor’s in psychology. Even while juggling work in corporate America and supporting my two daughters through college, my sense of purpose only grew. After discovering I could make a real impact as a licensed mental health professional without pursuing a doctorate, I earned my master’s in clinical mental health and decided to focus on trauma. My interest in human behavior and helping people understand the impact of their experiences guided every step of my education. Read more>>
Sosena Kebede
Despite the shared goal of health outcome improvements our health systems are not designed for patient engagement. After 23 years of working in the traditional health system where my roles varied from direct medical care delivery to educating healthcare workers, to research and physician leadership, I decided to leave that and open a direct primary care clinic. Now I am able to provide care in an unhurried and personalized fashion to my patients where the focus is on their empowerment as the cornerstone for their health outcome improvement. Read more>>
Sean Morant
Definitely not a smooth road, but the journey’s been worth every bump. There were times I didn’t have the best equipment, juggling a passion and a full-time job, or having to learn how to wear every hat in the business. I’ve dealt with doubt, delays, and having to prove my value in rooms that didn’t always see it at first. But every challenge built my character and sharpened my vision. M3 is what it is today because I stayed locked in, kept evolving, and never stopped betting on myself. Read more>>
Tova Davis
My role in HR expanded as I began to supervise benefits administration. I was promoted to HR Director, overseeing all employment services functions. I served as HR Director for several years. In 2016, I committed to Northstar fulltime. Northstar Educational Consulting Group now serves schools, teachers, and school leaders providing services ranging from professional development to HR coaching and support. Read more>>
Jamila Sutton
I have over 20yrs. of Management experience. 15yrs. of this experience was obtained during my experience at Big box Coffee Corporations. I learned to love and understand coffee. I started on a journey from the field to the cup. My Wife has an extensive background in counseling and management in Corporate America. We wanted to combine our passions and share it with my community. That’s how Coffee Snobs was born! We want to have conversations over Coffee with my community put the heart back into simply enjoying a cup of coffee. Read more>>
Taniyah Reynolds
I’m a professional cosmetologist. I specialize in soft & creative style makeup. I also do hair, nail and brow services. As stated I started selling lashes so that really was my way of getting in the door or what I’m known for if you will. I’m most proud of my work featured in fashion week cycles and being selected for D.C & New York, that’s what sealed me being an respectable artist and all the positive feedback I received inspired me to travel and move from my hometown Newport News VA to pursue my makeup career even farther. Read more>>
Seth Cook
I was born in a small town along the Bayou Teche in South Central Louisiana. I discovered my passion for photography and art early on, first picking up my mom’s camera during a family vacation trip. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, followed by a Master of Fine Arts in Photography from Indiana University Bloomington in 2020. After graduating, I moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, where I continued my creative development through a 10-month artist residency at Manifest Creative Research Gallery and Drawing Center. Read more>>
Mimi Drabik
Working with the new company was the first time I got to work with a full production team instead of handling everything on my own. My love of this creative production world became more solidified through the experience. I continued working with them whenever I had time in college, but I also started pouring into my own brand on social media for the first time. Read more>>
Wayne Thornton
There were moments where I questioned everything — my purpose, my path, even my talent. It’s hard when you give your all to something and still feel overlooked or stuck. But through it all, I leaned on my faith, kept creating, and stayed ready for the opportunities that came. I learned to move in faith, even when I couldn’t see the full picture. Read more>>
Oluwafunto David Awoyemi
This early interest led me to pursue a major in Psychology and minor in Criminology in college. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I went on to complete a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health at Mercer University. This fall, I will begin my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision, with the goal of contributing to the field through research and eventually teaching the next generation of mental health professionals. The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. Read more>>
Jackson Coppins
Honestly, the only reason the road has gotten bumpy for me has been struggles with my own mental when it comes to my patience and expectations around where I want to be in my career. I really am blessed, things have lined up for me pretty nicely, since coming to GSU and even now after graduating( 2024) I can’t be anything but grateful. I just have to stay present, and realize that I will achieve my goals in due time, I just need to focus on the things I can control, my output, my training, and honing my skills and eventually the right people will take notice. Read more>>
Roni
It’s been almost four years since the last time I released music, but so much happened during that time that kept me from pursuing it. One day I just told myself that “life will always be lifing” and if I wanted to get back into music, I just had to go for it, regardless of the chaos going on around me. I knew that in order to make it happen I’d need to quit the typical 9-5 jobs and find something different. Something that would not only sustain me, but also give me the flexibility to create. Jobs like that aren’t easy to come by, so I figured, why not be my own boss? Read more>>
Megan Leist
For a long time, I struggled with comparison. I’d look around at other photographers in my area and constantly doubt myself. I didn’t have much confidence when I started, and to be honest, some of the people closest to me didn’t either. I’ve been told I wasn’t good at it, that I wouldn’t make a career out of it, and that I’d never succeed. Read more>>
Delphine Kirkland
That miracle was a turning point in my life. I committed to telling the world that God is still a Healer. I began to write, speak, and share my testimony wherever God opened a door. As an evangelist, that decision led me to become a three-time Christian author, launch a Women’s Jail Ministry, and step into my calling as a Christian Parenting Advisor. I have a strong prayer presence on social media and believes, it’s not about me, it’s about the souls. Read more>>
D. Chantelle
As a creative producer in event production, what sets me apart is my “why”. I don’t produce for the money, for the recognition, or any personal gain. My goal for 5OUL Fashion Music Fest is to provide yet another avenue of exposure and support to the businesses, designers, models, musicians, artists, stylists, and other creatives within our community, and provide an alternative platform for them to share their gifts with us. I want 5OUL FMF to be an additional event in Atlanta that many can come and enjoy, while witnessing the growth and expansion of our creatives right here around the city. Read more>>
Steve West
Now, photography is a major part of what I do. Through Steve West Photo, I work with ad agencies, brands, and individuals—shooting portraits that feel honest and real. Executives, athletes, artists, and people who just want to look like themselves at their best. I don’t use heavy filters or over-retouch. My background in design and jewelry taught me how to see, how to build trust, and how to finish something the right way. Read more>>
Karan Zielke
I’ve always been a creative spirit, but I had channeled those energies into hobbies for years—focusing on my nursing career and starting a family. Around the time my kids started school, it became clear that my home/work balance needed flexibility. And I needed an outlet. Honestly, it was the most natural thing—to create as a vocation. But accept myself as an artist? That took some time. I am definitely there now though. Read more>>
Serious MAK
As Serious MAK, my journey began not as a choice, but as a compulsion to create. I started by intensely observing and absorbing the world, experimenting tirelessly to find my voice. My path was a winding road of trial and error, learning from every setback. The pivotal moment arrived when I realized my purpose wasn’t just personal, but about connecting deeply with others. This led to a relentless pursuit of refinement, shedding what didn’t serve, and honing my craft with unwavering dedication. Getting here has been about constantly pushing boundaries and delivering substance with gravity and impact. Read more>>
Apollo Stuckey
As I got older, art became my refuge. I used it to soothe my internal pain—it was my voice when I didn’t have the words. But even though it meant so much to me, I kept it hidden. When it came time for college, I actually got accepted into an art school. My heart was all in—but where I’m from, especially back then, art wasn’t seen as a real future. And Black art? It definitely wasn’t a thing people took seriously. So, out of love, my dad and grandma talked me out of majoring in art. They didn’t want to see me struggle. Read more>>
Tramaine Long
Nevertheless, I didn’t allow any of my experiences to make me angry bitter or resentful; it became fuel for me to change the narrative and educate others. If I can share my testimony, the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and people are drawn closer to God our Father than that is a win for the Kingdom of God! Read more>>
Ek Gonhoe
I mean sometimes your mentor comes from someone that you never met someone that generally has your best interested in mind and want to teach you what they know to help your success . Only thing I think that has worked for me is reaching out and not being afraid to network or be on the scene even when I’m not performing I’m out seeing who’s underground industry and mainstream because I feel being successful is being a student of the game in whatever you’re trying to do. And me knowing the artist that I’m around and see how to move now nobody telling me how has helped me out alot Read more>>
Nazjé Noir
That move opened the door to a whole new beginning. I trained at the Aveda Institute, worked behind the chair at Fabio Scalia Salon in SoHo, and began building what would eventually become my own brand. In 2021, I relocated to Atlanta to expand my vision and plant deeper roots. That’s when NLSAW Studio (Nazjé’s Lifestyle and Weaves Studio) truly began to flourish. What started as hairstyling evolved into a mission: to uplift, empower, and help women reclaim their confidence through both beauty and storytelling. Read more>>
Erik Hogan
I went to The University of Georgia in the late 1990’s, earning a bachelor’s degree in English with the idea of becoming a writer. However, September 11, 2001 changed my direction entirely. I worked as a paramedic for Grady EMS in Atlanta for several years and then transitioned to a career in law enforcement. I still work as a cop today, with lots of experience on the road, as a tactical medic, as a SWAT team leader, and even a stint as a detective. Read more>>
Sienna
I started to take it a bit more serious and try to be on top of stuff I thought was cool. I also had started my streaming journey on this app called Bigo, I’ve been doing that for about 4 years. Around the end of 2023 I met my friend who became a teacher and guided me in the right direction. I eventually grew from there just like I do anything I do. Now in 2025 I am in my first content house with 3 other amazing people and in a group called “TGC Nation” Read more>>
Kendell Walker
My father was my main inspiration for that. Following in his footsteps, I was a standout basketball player in high school, just like he was, and received many scholarship offers. I even chose Morehouse College to continue my academic and athletic career, just like he did. When I graduated in May of 2019, I began teaching and schooling just like he did. I have been coaching for the last 6 years, and what a wild ride it has been. I have a deep love for helping children and giving back to my community in whatever ways I can. I want to be the change I so desperately want to see in the community and with our young children. I thank God for everything I have been through and everything I am! Read more>>
6at Gang
Firstly from Savannah, Georgia, Lil 6at built a name for himself alongside the rise of artists like Yeat and SeptembersRich, becoming part of the Twizzy era’s experimental DNA. In 2022, his standout style caught the attention of SeptembersRich, leading to their joint single “Missing Your Call”, a fan-favorite that pushed his profile even further. $neek From Atlanta, Georgia met Lil 6at on instagram through dm’s and started collaborating on music with futuristics insane production and catchy flows. At that moment ” 6atgang ” been birthed and $neek recruited the rest of the group jaiterx, 3buddah, prod1titan, qqpapi, baelenci. We’re like a new aged independent digital record label. Read more>>
Joe Davis
I quickly realized that there wasn’t a place where you could learn about all of the different industries and people that make up the Atlanta Golf Scene, and if you don’t know about them, how can you support them? So, I began building an apparel section to my site highlighting the apparel brands, then the creators, then the entrepreneurs and everything in between. Read more>>
Nick Walker
I started having a love for music, sports, and history since childhood. It was instilled in me by parents. So I combine capturing great moments and my adventures everywhere through blogging and speaking my thoughts. I started on FB while in college and transitioned to IG in 2012. People are always wondering where I’m at and what I’m doing. Besides taking value at whatever I create and share. So I make it like they are there with me through pics and videos. That’s where KoolIzNSession was born. Read more>>
Tori Cooksey
My journey to where I am today hasn’t always been easy. Like most paths worth walking, it’s come with its fair share of struggles and hard lessons. Working in the health and wellness space can look polished from the outside, but behind the scenes, there have been long days, moments of self-doubt, and seasons where I really had to lean on my faith and keep showing up even when things felt uncertain. Read more>>
Mitchel Black
I started STRONGSIDE because I saw a gap — not just in fitness, but in how people were being led toward their best selves. I didn’t come from wealth, and I didn’t have a safety net. I sold my car to fund the early days of the business. I literally ran to work every morning — not metaphorically — because it was the only way to get there. There were months I couldn’t pay myself, nights the lights were turned off, and more than one payroll week where I had to dig deep to make it all work. Read more>>
Andrew Cobb
While trying to get the flow of everything figured out, the shop was also coming to life and getting character through our Pet Wall of Fame, which is where customers can bring in photos of their pets and add them to the walls. From having a customer waiting to get in at 11am with their framed picture on our first day to what the wall has grown into has been amazing to see. The walls are coming to life with all of the pictures from customers, so it has been really cool to see the shop get character week after week. Read more>>
Mila Burgess
I provide a safe space for students to not only meet themselves where they are, as they are, but also to seek deeper connections to their bodies, minds, and breath. I strive to guide students through mindful movements, incorporating a love of music and providing meaningful messages through themed classes. I teach a variety of formats including Vinyasa Flow, Power, Yin, Restorative, Gentle, Ashtanga Remix, and Aerial yoga. Read more>>
