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.

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>>

Franklin Robson

The road hasn’t been smooth. I’ve faced some rocky moments, including having to close a business and sell a food truck due to financial constraints. One of the biggest challenges in this industry is working with a wide range of restaurant owners—some who don’t know what they’re doing and others who are open to learning and implementing change. It’s been a balancing act, but the successes with those willing to evolve have made all the difference. Read more>>

Kristy Hall

C & K Event Essentials, where “Your Event Is Our Business” was founded in 2024 by the dedicated team of Carl and Kristy, we are a fresh and innovative event rental company located in the Metro-Atlanta area. With over 25 years of combined experience in the events industry, we bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every event we touch. Read more>>

Briana Kramer

After retiring from competitive skating, I went back to school for a while and eventually pivoted into the world of health insurance. These days, I’m a work-from-home mom running my own health insurance brokerage—and I genuinely love what I do. It’s been a unique journey, but every chapter has led me to where I am today. Read more>>

IAm Will

I created merch that defined AFFIRMATION. Plain shirts with “iAm” logo and a “fill in the blank” line right next to it. So now when you where this shirt I’m selling you are whoever you affirm yourself to be. With this simple but motivating shirt idea, I’ve completely stopped caring for the profits of this business and literally just want to make them to be able to keep making them forever. With my music streams going up and my demand for these shirts going up. The future is very bright and I can see it all the way from over here in this present moment. Read more>>

Tiffany Bush

Back in 2014, I was exploring becoming a personal trainer. Movement had always been my medicine—ever since eighth grade when I joined an all-male weightlifting class and found my power on the track. But I was also craving something deeper. Spiritually, I wanted more freedom and fluidity than the strict Baptist upbringing I had known. That’s when yoga found me—and everything changed. Read more>>

Sheena Mi Lee

Workplace bullying, racism, assimilation, financial struggles – not to mention learning English. I vowed to go beyond just serving the Korean and Asian community. I wanted to open a salon for everyone and today most of my clients are American. It is a point of pride for me because I worked really hard to learn English. My first salon was a Korean salon, but I trained and built my clientele at American salons and worked my way up. Read more>>

Mark Robertson

With our tenets of Professionalism, Attentiveness, Charisma and Talent – this P.A.C.T. has led to hundreds of happy couples, close partnerships with top event planners/ venues and long-lasting relationships with our selective group of world class musicians. As King Of Hearts Entertainment continues to grow, clients can count on the same personalized touch of a small “mom and pop shop” behind the scenes and the energy of your favorite band at an arena concert when it’s showtime! Read more>>

Melanin Bee

Honestly, no, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but I think that was a part of my journey and my purpose. I had to practice what I preach so I can teach through my HEALarious, edutainment , skits, stand-up comedy and through the online characters that I’ve created. Becoming a certified laughter, yoga instructor has been a Very important healing modality from my mental health which came with being a content creator, putting myself out there and being vulnerable in front of the world. Read more>>

Lenny Sandvick

I started working in a tattoo shop in 2006 in Madison, WI and began my art education in tattooing and graffiti there just before turning 20. I served my tattoo apprenticeship at a shop called Steve’s Tattoo under the tutelage of Steve Gold and “Spike” Bieganek, with input from the rest of the shop as well. In a stroke of luck, I was taken in by this crew of very busy, hard-working tattooers at a time when tattooing was experiencing a huge popularity boom following the emergence of the tattoo-themed TV shows. Every weekend, dozens of tattoos a day would walk through those doors. Read more>>

Krishawna Davis

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve been in survival mode at times-working a 9-5 to support myself while trying to invest in my goals. On top of that, I’ve had to navigate personal and family challenges. Losing my grandfather two years ago really shifted everything for me emotionally and mentally. It was a tough period, and it made it harder to stay focused. But through it all, I’ve held onto my passion and kept moving forward, even if it’s been at my own pace. Read more>>

Ronald Anthony

In 2019, I made my way back to the salon, starting completely fresh at Salon Bella Dama (Shout out to Chantelle and Holly for giving me a chance) and built a massive clientele in under a year; which made me able to step out and build my own salon brand. I was willing to start from nothing if it meant living in my passion and purpose! Read more>>

Taifa McLarin

When I look back on my life, I have always had a knack for listening to people. It just seemed natural that people would come to me and the least that I always felt I could do was to listen. It was an unspoken goal not only to listen but to actively listen to others in a way that made them feel comfort. Read more>>

Doug Cole

Our story began in 2019 when we founded our roastery, Because Coffee, in Dawsonville, GA. We knew we wanted to take our coffee to more people, so we expanded into our Myth & Legend brand. Our first Myth & Legend cafe was founded in the Cumming City Center, and we’ve since expanded to Johns Creek, Clarkesville, and St. Augustine, FL. We’re all about stories here at Myth & Legend. Stories are what make life interesting. Every myth has a story. Every legend has a story. And every person has a story. We strive to be a place where people can come together, enjoy an unforgettable cup of coffee, and shares their stories and lives with one another. Read more>>

Kristen Hayes

One of the biggest challenges has been managing anxiety, especially as I made the decision to leave my federal government job after over a decade. I was in a high-stress, emotionally draining environment where I constantly felt undervalued and boxed in. The return-to-office mandate after years of remote work was the final push I needed to step away and choose myself. Read more>>

Keshia Appkins

At the heart of Charm & Dazzle Boutique is a simple but powerful belief: you don’t have to spend big to shine bright. Whether you’re leading in the boardroom, celebrating a special moment, or just showing up for yourself every day, you deserve to feel confident and celebrated—without compromising your financial well-being. Read more>>

Page Yang

It wasn’t until I experienced my first jam in my teenage years that I realized there was more to dance than the movement. At these jams, there was no choreography, costumes, special lighting or cameras—only a dance floor, people, and music. It served as a platform for pushing past boundaries, sharing personal crafts, and celebrating each other. Just as most people did, I continued to return to these environments because there, I felt free. Not just to dance—but to exist. Read more>>

Hayley R. Schultz

I started college during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which made an already big transition even more isolating and confusing. I felt lost, out of touch with myself, and disconnected from my school community. At the time, I was studying psychology, mostly because I had always found myself helping others and listening to their problems. Coming from a challenging family background, I think I naturally became someone who wanted to understand people and support them however I could. Read more>>

Jessica Camerata

I had no idea how to dive into this but I have a cousin who had a home design blog at the time. She was a generation older than me and simply said, if I can do this, so can you. I’m more tech savvy, younger, enjoy writing, just start a blog! So I did. Without knowing any other blogs or what they really were, I started documenting my outfits at the office. With my old iPhone in hand, I’d take bathroom selfies in the full length mirror and upload them to my blog sharing where it’s from and how I put together the outfit. Read more>>

Necie Love

After graduating in December 2016, I took some time to figure out my next move. Being originally from Los Angeles, I always thought I’d move back stay there forever. But after some wise advice to consider a more affordable city, I gave Atlanta a shot — thanks to my aunt offering me a place to stay. My dream was to work at Turner Broadcasting, but once again, God rerouted me. Just before I moved, I applied for a marketing coordinator role at Reach Records — Lecrae’s label. I didn’t think I had a shot. But a week after landing in ATL, I got the call and the offer. That moment wasn’t about anything special I did or said, I honestly believe it was my faith that opened that door and God the rest. Read more>>

Paola Miranda-Pizzi

Nothing is ever a smooth road, and if it is, it’s not worth it. This business requires a lot of thick skin, perseverance, and tenacity, that can sometimes be difficult to come by. The biggest struggle for myself right now is that internet reach. Creating great content and interesting posts can be a full-time job but is the best outcome for reaching my audience. Read more>>

Lindsey Beauboeuf

We specialize in Lifestyle Medicine for women who are tired of being rushed, dismissed, or patched up with one-size-fits-all care. Most of our patients are Black and Afro-Caribbean women who have been told for years to just lose weight, manage their stress, or take another pill. But they want something deeper. They want care that gets it, care that understands their story and their roots. Read more>>

Marquis Davis

The road I took was the furthest thing from easy. There were so many ups and downs that I began to lose count, but I always look at things like if you’re not going to go the hardest for your passions then who will? Once I began to think like that, I found that it was easier to find solutions to the problems rather than complain or quit. Trying to start a business in any climate comes with struggles, however I believe that in our current economy that is amplified 10x. In totality I believe that was my biggest struggle. Read more>>

Elissa Brown

Hi! I’m Elissa and I grew up in Alabama. I’ve played sports my entire life, with softball being my main focus. That passion led me to earn a softball scholarship to play at the University of Alabama, which was an incredible experience. After college in 2021, I entered the working world, but I quickly realized how difficult it was to stay active without the structure of competitive sports I’d known my whole life. Read more>>

Denisse Gonzalez

That same year I did my first runway show also in GrandRapids and ended the year doing another in LazVegas. Returning from that I began doing bridal and collaborating with more photographers until I eventually moved to Atlanta and have been trying to seettle in, find a balance for everything in my life and still try to be an advocate for my community as I am a DACA recipient and have been since I was 15 years old. My biggest goal is not only to get to a more secure Status for myself but also to be pave the wave for others in my same situation. Thank you. Read more>>

Isabella & Michelle Doherty

One day, we found a horse trailer on Facebook Marketplace that had been turned into a coffee stand. We bought it with big dreams in mind, but soon realized it wasn’t quite the right fit. So, we ended up trading it for a different trailer that had the frame and shape we really needed—and had it built from scratch to bring our vision to life. While we waited for the custom build, we launched Nips & Sips with just our champagne cart and hit the ground running. Read more>>

Sun Kim

It is so rewarding to see my clients get through difficult times and conquer their fears, depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Mental health is not just a job for me. It is my mission to help people to live their lives to the fullest. I fell so many times in the past and I know how hard it is. That’s why I don’t judge anyone. I wish to tell people that they don’t have to stay in the darkness alone anymore. Read more>>

Justyn Timez

I would say the road was certainly less traveled when I started for sure. My mom is super Bajan so she didn’t think music would be a practical solution to living life. That coupled with crab in a bucket mentality made it hard to get my name and sound out there you know. From doing free shows and college rap battles to performing in clubs in Fayetteville NC. All of it was in preparation of the now. Read more>>

Jasmine Billingsley

One of my greatest challenges in this profession was simply being a Black woman in a space where we aren’t often seen. Statistically, swimming isn’t a sport traditionally associated with the Black community—so from the start, I felt the pressure to prove myself over and over again. I wasn’t just teaching swimming; I was breaking stereotypes. Read more>>

Leah Gentry

I would say one of the things that makes me unique is my range. So many people have approached me saying they love how my music has a different sound with each song while still sounding like me! Additionally, I aim to create an image of someone relatable. I want people to be able to relate to my music and my style, and that is the biggest thing that makes me unique. I don’t try to be someone else or try to seem like I have all these luxuries that I don’t actually have. I like showing my raw lifestyle, emotions, and vulnerability. It’s not something I have seen a lot, but it is something I wish was more prevalent in music. Read more>>

Valentina

As a Latina, business owner, actor, and voiceover artist, I’m honored to be the curator of the Spanish program at VoAtlanta, the largest voiceover conference in the world. My mission is to preserve and share valuable content, drive innovation, and elevate talent, showcasing the true potential of our industry to new talents worldwide who join us every March at VoAtlanta. Read more>>

Lauren Harris

I was unsure how to market myself, build clientele, and network with other artists and brands in the beauty industry. Sometimes it is also hard to continue to push through some of the slow seasons that may occur throughout the year. The thing I had to remember, and what my mentor always would tell me at the start of my journey, was that I have the skills, the passion, and the knowledge to be fully successful in this industry. I just have to keep going no matter what and keep putting myself out there and make my brand known. Read more>>

Claire

I think the most important piece of the puzzle however, has been my homecoming back to Atlanta, where my entire family resides. At the baby store in New York, I witnessed and helped build community for families around me, but I was simultaneously missing my own. Now that I’m home, I can connect and spend time with my family and all the next generations that we’re raising. It’s for them, really, that I continue to build my business. When I’m developing product lines and researching vendors, I’m thinking of what the young parents in my family need or what their babies loved. I love having their influence in my life and business. Read more>>

Jenny Thompson

I graduated from GA State University in 1997. I have been an orthopedic physical therapist since that time. About 8 years ago I specialized in Pelvic Health Physical Therapy. I truly love helping both men and women with all issues related to pelvic health. Read more>>

Aniyah McAfee

One of my biggest inspirations early on was Emma Chamberlain. The way she edited, her vulnerability, and how unapologetically herself she was made me feel like I could do that too. I knew then that I wanted to create content that made other Black girls feel seen and celebrated in that same way. So I started teaching myself how to edit and tell stories through video. I taught myself everything I know now. I even began writing scripts around that time, I started dreaming about becoming a film director one day. I was about 14. Read more>>

Candy Richards

My journey has been anything but traditional, but every piece of it made me who I am. I started in entertainment as a video and print model, which led to acting roles on shows like The Game (BET), Atlanta (FX), and reality TV like Real Chance of Love 2. Early on, I also worked in radio at 102 Jamz in Greensboro, North Carolina—so using my voice and presence to connect with people has always been part of my path. Read more>>

ARI “JUICE” WOODS

When I opened eyes, I saw an ad for Reiki and the rest is History! Experiencing this journey has shown me many ways to help those similar in energy. Through art, intuition, spontaneous flow and staying in my “routine”, I am able to create unique ways to help others as I have helped myself! I love this journey! It’s even better with Bipolar with an overlap of PTSD, you never know where you will get triggered with inspiration! Read more>>

Don Genesis

I’ve been DJing for over six years and producing for the past two and a half. Early on, I cut my teeth playing local venues and events, gradually building the skills that define my sets today — high energy, tight mixing, and a focus on crowd connection. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to open for artists I’ve long respected, including Sacha Robotti, Dillon Nathaniel, Kaskade, Sam Wolfe, Pig&Dan, Chocolate Puma, Infected Mushroom, and more. I’ve also had the chance to go B2B with Solardo and Harvey Valencia, which were major moments in my development and recognition. Read more>>

Keiko Guest

At that point all my work became focused on my one and only subject……..ME. I spent 2.5 years creating content and posting daily, specializing in dance, comedy, makeup and fashion transitions. I reached 512,ooo followers before life changed for all including the viewership and algorithms of the platform. It took over a year to wean myself off, with great emotional difficulty. Read more>>

Rashonda Harris

The name “Purple Sheep” represents what we are: the rare, bold, purpose-driven outliers who don’t just fit in—we lead. We specialize in interim staffing, training, and strategic planning for higher education and research organizations, offering services in compliance, post-award operations, leadership coaching, and diversity-informed mentorship. Read more>>

Sheneka Patman

I was always in the world of cosmetology. Jumping in and out because I was scared. I have children so of course a 9-5 felt so much more comfortable. I never gave up on wanting to be in the industry. I always thought I would be into bridal hair. I eventually tried right befire covid to open some salon suites and for 2 years, it never came to fruition. I fixed a building, only to stop becuase of limited funds. I did what felt besy once again. I got a job. This time, a job that was so sweet, it didnt make since not to take it. I stayed at that job for about 2 years. Read more>>

Erin Little And Elizabeth Burke

One of the biggest struggles has been visibility. With no established location, getting people to trust a brand-new service – especially in a field like regenerative wellness- has been a real challenge. We’ve spent countless hours learning how to market ourselves, designing flyers, posting on social media, and reaching out to people one by one. There have been plenty of days when we questioned if anyone has even noticed. Read more>>

Brae Anthony

To be honest, I didn’t expect to find this much freedom in the South. But Atlanta surprised me. It welcomed me with open arms and loud music. It gave me chosen family, late-night dance floors, drag shows full of holy chaos, and brunch tables where we talk about everything from kink to astrology to healing trauma. Who knew that one of the weirdest, most vibrant, most affirming queer communities I’d ever be part of would be right here in Atlanta? Read more>>

Halimo Raghe

No it has not been a smooth road. I’ve had days where I didn’t want to post videos dealing with the everyday life challenges. I was diagnosed with neuropathy, and I was so afraid that I was going to fall because I had to go through the whole walking stage all over so I think the very few videos you can see that I did not do a whole lot of movement, but through therapy and all of that you know working with my physical therapy everything worked out gracefully and now I’m walking all over the place Read more>>

Dionta’ Johnson

The road to modeling has definitely not been smooth. It’s filled with negative comments and views from sometimes the people that are closest to you. You know modeling requires a ton of effort that have gotta put into it (if you truly desire it) and nowadays you have to not only be a model, but also a social influencer because at the end of the day, your goal is to sell a product either it being clothes, shoes, skincare or whatever. So its definitely a challenge, but for me personally it’s extremely filling and I’m very happy that I’m here, and will keep pushing to the top. Read more>>

Trévon Jones

In addition, I created my podcast for those in the world who struggle with insecurities and self doubt. To be specific, it is my sincere hope that from watching my podcast, individuals that deal with insecurities or self doubt can learn that anything can be achieved when you open your eyes and realize! Also, I would love for anyone that deals with ANY type of hardship to feel inspired, motivated, and uplifted after watching any episode! Read more>>

Courtney Rutledge

I’ve always been obsessed with making things look and feel “right”, even when I had no clue that design could be a career. I was the middle school girl rearranging her room for the tenth time, teaching myself to edit homemade videos, and spending way too long customizing PowerPoint presentations for 8th grade Georgia history class. Design felt like the natural throughline, but it still took me a minute to figure that out. Read more>>

Deidre Goodwin

I pictured in my head what later became what I named HALTZGLOVES. For 2 years I worked on the prototype. i had no manufacturing experience and at that time, there were fewer resources to find specific help. after completing the porotype, I search for 1.5 years for a manufacturer. It is still true for today, large manufacturers are not interested in making small quantities. They want you to start out at 100,000 units and sometimes million units. Read more>>