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.
Audrey Hall
Studio Hall is based in Candler Park and specializes in residential design. The goal of my firm is to craft timeless, thoughtful interiors that honor the past while embracing the realities of life (ex. shoes, paws, cords, etc!). My approach artfully blends form and function to transform spaces into refined, livable sanctuaries—where every detail serves a purpose, even if just to delight. I aim to be approachable for those using a designer for the first time, serving clients at all project sizes, scopes, and budgets. Whether you’re doing a gut renovation or hanging a gallery wall, I’m here to help! Read more>>
Kennody De Oliveira
I’ve got to give a huge shoutout to my graphic design teacher, Coach Carthers, he taught me most of what I know about graphic design. Without him, I wouldn’t be able to do any of the things I do today for my businesses. That class was definitely an important moment in my journey; it gave me purpose. With that purpose, I was able to dive deeper into my other interests, like traditional art, film photography, and fashion design. All of these skills I learned during that time have played a huge role in creating my brand, COZY CLLCTVE. Read more>>
Hannah Browning
Film and TV became my mediums of choice when my family started watching a lot of faith-based movies on weekends. While they’re often criticized for low production values or poor acting, what struck me most was the lack of nuanced, diverse storytelling. Many leaned on clichés and only examined life from a white, evangelical perspective. This sparked a bold idea that I could make better films, and that idea has driven me ever since. I graduated from Oakwood University, an HBCU, with a degree in Communication Media in 2024. Now, I develop stories and help others tell theirs! Read more>>
G. Cook
Fast forward to my late twenties and after a lot of thought (I mean, seven years worth of thought), in December of 2024, I finally decided to bet on myself. To give one of my gifts a shot. With conviction and (finally) some trust, I filled for my LLC with the name CRSNT Moon Artistries. The name “CRSNT” derived from the idea of the crescent moon we see at least every few weeks. As of now, my vision is budding as if it were a new seedling, and I am so excited to witness its growth. Read more>>
Bernadette Wright
She was confused, because remember, he was JUST FINE….so she responded “WHAT?”. I found the strength to again say… “Code Blue”. She did not waste any time, and we did the only thing we knew how to do….and that was to pray. She got off the phone with me and called my other sisters and my mom and they began to intercede as I sat in the hall praying quietly…but also feeling as if I was frozen in time. At some point, they sent a Chaplain up to stand next to me, which caused more anxiety than comfort. In my head the following thought was circulating at maximum volume, NO! THIS IS NOT GOING TO END THIS WAY! Read more>>
Promise Oti-Okardie
Over time, my creativity evolved, and so did my interests. I began exploring the world around me, one plate and one place at a time. That’s when I started to document my food and travel experiences, blending my knack for storytelling with my curiosity for new cultures and cuisines. What began as spontaneous, funny posts turned into a passion for sharing honest reviews, hidden gems, and memorable adventures. Read more>>
DeAndré Holmes
As time progressed, not only was I getting job opportunities in LA, but I began to travel as well. Which is what lead to me moving back to Georgia. In addition to my name and brand catching traction in Atlanta, I joined the union, Local 600. Although things were trending in an upward direction, I didn’t feel that I had a solid network so, I experienced similar emotions from STL and LA. Once again, I didn’t give up. I began reaching out to established operators and Director of Photography with hopes of building a network. I set practice sessions with operators and even took them to lunch. Read more>>
Thomas Lykes
Along the way, I faced challenges that forced me to adapt, get more resourceful, and really double down on what I wanted. I leaned into consistency and sobriety to allow me to focus and that became a turning point. Over time, those choices started compounding, and that’s what brought me to where I am today — still learning, but with more clarity, confidence, and momentum than when I started. Read more>>
Sean Brown
It has not been a smooth road but I am very resilient and I will not quit under any circumstances. I will make art and paint and draw and do whatever I think is a good creative outlet for me until I pass away. I won’t let gatekeeping and I won’t let speed bumps Deter me from getting where I need to go. Read more>>
Thackery Harris III
I’ve always been a Photographer at heart. Its in the family. My grandfather Otis T Harris was a teacher in Little Rock, AR. I remember as a child seeing his film development chemicals and camera around the house. Fast forward 35 years i find myself at the crossroads of stepping into destiny of sorts. My sister has twin girls that model and I noticed her camera on a table. I casually picked it up and knowing nothing of manual settings and exposure triangle, i just began shooting and using the very limited knowledge I had of composition and focus points. Read more>>
Brandi Smith
Since January of 2025 the club has discussed in great detail, White Fragility by Robin Di’Angelo, Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall, White Tears/ Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad, Why are all the Black kids sitting together in the Cafeteria by Dr. Daniel Tatum and the Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. On occasion the club has been able to secure chats with authors including Robin Di’Angelo and later on in June will be hosting Dr. Tatum. Read more>>
Brandi Gray
I have always wanted to be an independent business owner. Although several ecommerce business adventures were tried, none had the staying power to evolve in these ever-changing times. I heavily relied on my 9-to-5 work-at-home positions to pay the bills. After helping various Fortune 500 companies grow their businesses, I decided to give mine another try. I combined my passion for art and creativity with the knowledge I obtained through years of working for others and decided to create something myself that could be a symbol of love and hope for others. I don’t just make T-shirts. I create them with love and care. The most important thing I can do is inspire others to pursue their dreams. That’s the mission. Read more>>
Rickhyah Foster
Then came my candle business—born from a deep love for ambiance, scent, and self-care. I’ve always believed in creating moments that feel special, and candles became my way of sharing that with others. I started small, hand-pouring candles in my kitchen, experimenting with scents that told a story or evoked a feeling. It quickly turned into something much bigger as people connected with the intention and energy behind each product. Read more>>
Dante Ntarot
A major turning point came about ten years ago with my mother’s passing. It was then that I truly began to confront the depths of my experiences and consciously chose art as my path toward healing and understanding not just myself, but my place in a world that often felt like an Inferno. The Divine Comedy became a critical lens for me—given my mother’s struggles, I wrestled with what it meant to be her child, and Dante’s journey provided a powerful framework for exploring themes of darkness, redemption, and the search for meaning. Read more>>
MeKayla Cromwell
The road definitely hasn’t been smooth. I’ve struggled with depression and severe anxiety; at times it felt like I was drowning in everything I was carrying. On top of that, navigating motherhood while trying to hold myself together added another layer of pressure. It’s hard to find space for your art when you’re in survival mode. There were days when I felt like I had nothing left to give creatively because I was pouring everything into just getting through the day. But creating has always been my way of healing. I had to learn how to show up for myself again and honor the space between MeKayla the mother and Kae the artist. Read more>>
Lakischa Morgan
Today, DivinneSkinn and Wellness is more than just products. I’ve published a skincare book called “Love: A Melanated Skincare Guide.” I host a weekly podcast called Skintelligent Sundays, and I’m currently working on launching my own moisturizer specifically designed for melanin-rich skin. Everything I do is rooted in education, empowerment, and helping people feel confident in the skin they’re in—because I know what it feels like to struggle. Read more>>
Erieca Burgess
Well both of my parents are master cosmetologist, they always had a shop, then my mom went in k healthcare, my dad had other multiple businesses. So it always motivated me to follow my heart and learn new skills and make money. So about 8 years ago I started my hair business because I went to college, and I needed money, then two years later I branched out and started a clothing line, even tho it lasted for a short time, I wanted my own custom designs. So now I’m working on my own look and now just t shirts and matching sets. While still doing hair I became a model, enrolled in nursing school, learned make up, now I’m a fashion/ wardrobe stylist. You can call me your ALL in one creative director. Read more>>
Harshit Verma
Over time, I realized that traditional architectural design did not fully reflect the kind of work I wanted to do. I was more drawn to the idea of turning digital art into architecture, using patterns, visuals, and stories to shape space in a way that felt personal and meaningful. In the beginning, it was not easy. I had no background in coding, and learning digital tools with the technical side of simulations was often overwhelming. Many of my early experiments didn’t work, patterns didn’t translate well, or the tools felt limiting. Read more>>
Philip Wrencher
I’m an Atlantabased actor and filmmaker with a strong foundation in both performance and production. Originally from San Diego and raised in Hampton Roads, VA in a Navy family, I found my passion for acting in college and went on to earn my B.A. in Communication with a focus in Cinema-Television from Regent University. While there, I worked on hundreds of student projects in various production roles and continued acting training outside of school. Read more>>
Courtney Case
I started shadowing local DJs when possible and lived on YouTube to learn technique. I was offered my first gig at Parma Tavern in Buford Georgia and the set was on New Years Eve in 2022. Yikes! Was I ready for this? Absolutely not but I knew I had to start somewhere. Even though I was beyond nervous I played the gig and kept the music going for a four hour set. From there on, I continued to take gigs and to this day learn something new at each one. Forever learning and finding new music is my vibe. I have been playing now for about 4 years and am completely in love. Read more>>
Kendra Bailey
My business specializes in Bookkeeping and budgeting services for individuals and businesses. I also provide notary services as needed. The area that I focus on are business owners that may be starting out in business and do not have anything set up bookkeeping or budgeting wise, or those who may have something for bookkeeping but need to refine what they already have. I can help you build an accounting system from the bottom or come in and help you manage what you already have. Read more>>
Teddy Biassi
Like anything in life, the music industry is full of its ups and downs. I’d say the main struggle would be social presence. A lot of my clients have been through word of mouth and label presence. In a generation where social media is very important, having a busy schedule with balancing clients doesn’t leave much room to make content and promote. As an engineer, a lot of work is solo…so id say as engineers all together we should be willing to have some sort of team like artists do. Read more>>
Katie Barillas
It was therapy that changed everything. Slowly, I started to unravel the deeply embedded belief that I was inherently broken, bad, and unworthy. I discovered a tiny spark of self-trust in the idea that maybe, just maybe, I was a good person with good intentions. That spark grew into a fire. I began to unlearn everything that had kept me small and started reclaiming every piece of my life: my time, my thoughts, my emotions, my body, my beliefs, my sexuality, and everything in between. The process tore me open. It was brutal and beautiful. There were sleepless nights, panic attacks, and moments of pure disorientation, but eventually, I shed what no longer served me and stepped into a life that felt free in every possible way. Read more>>
Jeremy Mango
We’ve been on a step team together for over five years now. What started as just performing for fun and school events quickly turned into something more meaningful. As we got older and gained more experience performing side by side, we realized that our on-stage chemistry was something special, it wasn’t just about coordination; we moved as one, and that energy really resonated with audiences. Friends, family, and even strangers would come up to us after performances, telling us how electric our presence was. That’s when it clicked why not turn this passion into a business? It’s a blessing to get paid for something you love doing, especially when it allows you to express yourself and bring joy to others at the same time. Read more>>
Sean Winn
I believe that no one’s journey is ever a smooth road, but for creatives in Black and POC communities, the path can feel especially uphill. Gaining access to the right spaces, growing as an artist, and navigating higher education often come with additional challenges. There’s a constant pressure to prove yourself, often without the time, support, or emotional space to process what that really takes. Read more>>
Olive Nwafor
My journey to the vibrant city of Atlanta began after I accepted an admission offer from Georgia State University’s top program, the Master of Information Systems. I landed in Hartsfield-Jackson ready to take on everything life had for me. My life goal has always been to expand the horizon of my knowledge and this was also my motivation for applying to graduate school. It was a challenging experience, but the right kind of challenge I needed for the transformation that I needed. Leaving my hometown to experience the world had been a dream of mine since I was 15 and it was the mix of preparation, perseverance, and the right opportunity that turned that dream into reality. Read more>>
Amin
I started my creative journey back in Iran, where I first discovered the power of visual storytelling through photography. It began with a passion for capturing moments, which eventually evolved into filmmaking and social media content creation. Over the years, I expanded my craft, working with a diverse range of clients in Iran, the USA, and the UAE, producing high-quality promotional videos, short films, and documentaries. Read more>>
Jerrica Russaw
Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with a wide range of clients and organizations, including Tuskegee University, Auburn University, Grambling State University, the U.S. Poultry and Egg Association, West Angeles Church of God in Christ, Spirit and Truth Church, and many other churches, artists, and small businesses across the country. These experiences have strengthened my ability to build strategic, culturally relevant, and visually compelling brands that resonate with diverse audiences. Read more>>
Breina McMichael
What began as a side hustle quickly turned into something I loved. By my senior year of high school, I knew I wanted to pursue graphic design more seriously. I applied to Alabama State University and chose to major in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design—turning what was once a hobby into my career path. While I had originally considered cosmetology school, God had bigger plans for me. Read more>>
BigDeuceFOF
Over time, I sharpened my sound and started gaining traction with songs like “Act Upp,” “Ebola,” and “Racks.” What really separates me is that I’ve treated this like a business from day one — pushing 1,000+ blog articles, getting a Google Knowledge Panel, growing my SEO, building my brand FOF (Faith Over Fear), and creating a movement around my music. I’ve had to earn every fan, every stream, every placement. Read more>>
Zazi Nylande
Starting a practice from the ground up came with its share of challenges: navigating the business side of medicine, taking on financial risk, and learning how to build the right systems and team while staying true to the mission. On a personal level, it’s been tough at times to balance everything, especially as someone whose close family is back home in Ghana — I’ve had to create new support systems here, both personally and professionally. Read more>>
Kat Nigro
As a testament to our belief in a closed-loop system that nurtures the planet, we have prioritized returning compost to local gardens and farms through our Compost Give Back and Garden Partner Program. Meanwhile, our belief in transparent and efficient systems is supported by our in-house software, which tracks and shares the personal diversion data of our members, manages our hauling and logistics, and supports the distribution of compost back into our community. Read more>>
Dr. Lena Payton Webb
After serving over 21 years in the military, I found myself at a crossroads. I had given my life to structure, leadership, and service—but I was still searching for something more personal. Then came a life-altering chapter: I lost my vision and was declared legally blind for four years. During that season, I began retraining my eyes using a children’s coloring book. That small spark reignited my love for creativity, words, and healing. But more importantly, it reminded me of the power of representation—I couldn’t find books that looked like me, felt like me, or spoke to my community… so I created them. Read more>>
Brittany Collins
She’s Made is a faith-based hair care company that specializes in high-quality products for women with textured and Type 4 hair—hair types that are often overlooked by the mainstream beauty industry. We’re best known for our Leave-In Butter, the viral product that launched the brand, and for our deeply rooted mission: to help women embrace their God-given beauty with confidence, intention, and truth. Read more>>
Sariah Walters
Now I’ve found a new vendor and I’m preparing for my next drop with more clarity and direction. Every setback has pushed me to get more creative, more intentional, and more grounded in my purpose. I’ve learned how to pivot, how to be patient, and how to stay committed—even when the road isn’t smooth. Read more>>
Marquis Jones
Shortly after joining the BJM Management team, Quis dropped his singles “Deeply”, “Sane”, and “No Help”. Then shortly after things did not work well with BJM Management he went completely independent with no management nor team behind him. Continuing pushing his career alone, Quis dropped numerous of singles along with an EP and Mixtapes, with “Time Will Tell” being the latest one in 2025. We can only imagine how much more music to expect from this upcoming rap sensation. Please stay tune as this story about QUISBANDZ unfolds in the days to come. Read more>>
Ali Waad
In the shadow of war-torn Baghdad in 2003, a young boy named Ali Waad clutched onto more than just survival — he held tight to a dream. Amid sirens and shattered skies, while many lost hope, Ali found a strange kind of comfort in music. Even as buildings crumbled around him, melodies rose quietly in his soul. Read more>>
Goodness Sart
One significant struggle was building credibility in a competitive field. Starting with limited resources and connections, I had to work tirelessly to prove my skills as a media personality and event compere. Like many young women navigating this space solo, I often faced skepticism about my expertise due to my age and gender, and also nationality, requiring me to consistently deliver excellence to earn trust. Read more>>
Christopher Moore
So I asked myself “What do you like to do and would do it for free if you had to?” What came to my mind was Sports. I can talk in just about every major sport. In October 2021 I started the Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting. In May 2024, I graduated with my Bachelors. Now I freelance with a couple major networks, content creator for Hawks Digest on YouTube, and run my own company A1forever Sports. I went from having no business to always becoming busy. I couldn’t have done without God’s grace and faith in my abilities. Read more>>
Taylar Symone
Growing up, getting my nails done was more than just self-care—it was my way of expressing myself. I would switch them up every week if I could. It was my thing. But life hit differently when my son was diagnosed with autism. I made the decision to walk away from my 9-5 so I could be fully present for him—emotionally, mentally, and physically. That choice came with a lot of sacrifices, and one of them was my usual nail appointments. Read more>>
TIFFANI WILLIAMS
What kept me going was my creativity. I’ve always been crafty, and back then I started designing and handmaking layered invitations for friends and coworkers, baby showers, birthdays, weddings, you name it. That creative spark was what gave me joy. One day, I told myself: “If Verizon ever offers a good buyout package, I’m taking it and going to art school.” And guess what? That buyout came in 2010. I didn’t hesitate. By 2011, I was enrolled in art school pursuing my BFA in Graphic Design, fully supported by the 9/11 GI Bill from my time in the Army. That was a huge leap, but one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Read more>>
Katalina Samuels
I am the oldest of four kids. I grew up on the Southside of Atlanta with two parents both from two different countries. My mother is from Panama and my father is from Jamaica . Both my grandmothers from each side cooked a lot so while most kids like to play outside I was always the one in the kitchen watching and taking notes. That’s where my passion for cooking started. From there I pursued a career in culinary arts after recieving my degree from the Art Institute of Atlanta. Read more>>
Nkechi Funso Obika
Today, Naija Gourmet Foods has grown from a home kitchen dream into a thriving business. Our signature spicy and mild stews are now sold on Walmart.com and in six City Farmers Market stores across Atlanta. Every jar carries the soul of Nigeria and the heart of a mother who believes food is a love language. Read more>>
Katie Sims
I quickly realized that I completely avoided having dry and flaky skin on my face while taking accutane – which is almost unheard of. I knew I had made something special and at this point, it had become my favorite part of my morning and evening skin care routine. A close, supportive group of friends encouraged me to begin selling it. In September of 2022, I launched my Glow Serum and the response I got was overwhelming. The next year I began experimenting with fragrances and shortly thereafter launched 3 fragrances which are dupes of my favorite scents on the market. Read more>>
Jodie Smith
My podcast, The Heart Helper, is a spiritual space where I hold conversations that are honest, healing, and heart-centered. It now airs on AM 1010 The King every first and third Sunday, and it’s been recognized as the Best Mind, Body & Soul Podcast at the Urban Film Festival. I’ve had the honor of interviewing survivors, spiritual leaders, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who have powerful stories to tell. Read more>>
