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.

Kenn Cordero

I was born in 1990 in Miami, Florida, a city renowned for its vibrant culture and aesthetic appeal. From a young age, I developed a keen interest in beauty, inspired by the fashionable trends exhibited by my mother, grandmothers, and aunts Reasha and stacey. My passion for hair and fashion became evident in middle and high school, where I began earning income by styling my classmates’ hair. After relocating to Atlanta in 2008, I pursued formal education in cosmetology at Atlanta Technical College, following in the footsteps of my late grandmother, Shirley Lewis, a talented stylist. Since then, I have successfully expanded my business in the beauty industry. Read more>>

Jasmine Moore

I’m still fairly new to the industry, but I’ve been blessed to start strong. My first project was Tough Love: Atlanta with Caleb and Roni Davis who are incredible creators out of L.A. and that series ended up being Emmy-nominated. From there, I jumped into creating Bad Bish Sorority, and most recently I worked on a film called Buried Beneath Your Lies, which is now streaming on Prime Video. Read more>>

Sierra Payne

Our Story: Born from the vibrant energy of Atlanta’s nightlife, Sior Cocktails was originally introduced to the world as Sior ATL—a full-service restaurant that went viral for its bold, colorful, and over-the-top drink creations. After selling the restaurant to new owners, founder Sieria Payne (SiSi) reimagined the brand into what it is today: a luxury cocktail and mocktail experience built on creativity, culture, and connection. Read more>>

Tom Smalley

When professionals told me college might not be realistic, I took it as a personal challenge. I worked tirelessly with my therapist to regain control of my life. A year after my diagnosis, I spoke at an awareness event at Yale University. That experience sparked a passion for advocacy. I went on to speak at IOCDF conferences, schools, organizations, and on podcasts. Shifting from “Why me?” to “Why not me?” helped me see purpose in my pain and gave me the motivation to educate others about OCD and mental health. Read more>>

Ngolela Kabongo

I organized my own fashion shows and participated in fashion shows at my university and others around the United States. I was always posting and sharing my work and it ended up being seen in the United Kingdom!! Not only was I invited to participate in Liverpool Fashion Week and be the opening designer, I also caught the attention of British Vogue. They featured me twice as a “Designer to Watch” and my audience continued to grow. So much so, that global brand SHEIN reached out to me and asked if I would design a capsule collection with them. My pieces were finally being mass produced and readily available on a global scale!! God is so good!! Read more>>

King Khan

I moved to the U.S. from Pakistan looking for opportunity, not just for myself, but for my family and my community. I built my career in corporate America, working with big companies like AT&T and Comcast. There, I learned a lot about sales, business development, customer service, and leadership. I worked hard and earned several awards, even ranking in the top 2% in the state. But over time, I wanted to do more than just sell. I wanted to serve people. That’s why I got into real estate. Now, I help families buy, sell, and invest in homes around Metro Atlanta. I mainly work in Gwinnett and North Fulton, focusing on families and first-time buyers who need honest and reliable guidance through one of life’s biggest decisions. Read more>>

Lyric` B

I learned that if you don’t have producer or executive producer credit or even own your IP that you can be edited any type of way on TV. I wasn’t prepared for that, I wasn’t prepared for chopped & screwed viral videos of myself to circulate the internet not truthfully showing my skill but mocking & making fun of it. Kyle from the legendary r&b group Jagged Edge told me ,” Aye keep your chin up, it’s yours! ” “You got it so the hate comes with the territory just as much as the love do.” So I’ve learned to take it in stride & not waver in my calling despite the name calling behind my back & smiles to my face. Read more>>

Douglas Elery

This road hasn’t been easy but it also hasn’t been incredibly challenging either. I think for me the most challenging part is getting out of head creatively. Often, I talk myself in wanting to restrict myself to a specific niche, or I am so worried about what the general population may perceive me or my content as. However, when you have so much to offer and you are secure in yourself, your content, your brand, etc. How dare you allow the thoughts of the enemy or people (who may or may not know you) to make trick you out of something that is such a gift? So, I just record anyway and when it’s right, I just know. Read more>>

Antoine Seymore

Quick story when we was teens about Leroy me and my brother was working with him cutting grass and it was a pool in the backyard and he tried to bring the lawnmower pass and we told him it wasn’t going to work and guess what happen next our backs are turned and we hear a noise yup he fell in the pool LOL,we look around and he is in the bottom of the pool holding the lawnmower after a few minutes he wasn’t coming up so now we jump in and save him.The story is not over yet he dries the lawnmower out for a hr a so my granddad went back to work like it never happen. I gave the story to show where my mindset comes from if we ain’t dead #WeGotWork2Do.Rest easy granddaddy Leroy mis you my guy. Read more>>

Anji Ray

When I’m asked, “What do you do?”, well, that’s another question that I struggled with until, I would say, the last few years. I used to run down the list: I’m a poet, screenwriter, actor, casting assistant, director, photographer, real estate broker and agent, a techie, influencer and the last title that I added in 2021, an abstract artist. That’s a mouthful right? I know, Lol. Now, I just button all of that up and either say, “I’m a multi-hyphenate” or “I’m a creative”. Read more>>

David Scheinberg

My name is David, but most people call me Shiney. My company is Shiney Media Group, a Media Production company based in Los Angeles at first but now expanded here to Atlanta. I am CEO and one of two founding partners. I’ve been producing stories in many forms and formats throughout my career – about a quarter century now – most often taking the form of astonishing brand spectacles for which I am extremely proud. I believe what I do is entertainment first and foremost, but packaged beautifully by marketing, advertising, media and events. Read more>>

Kathy & Adam McCaffrey

We opened our salon in the Mall of Georgia in August of 1999. It being a new beginning for us, we opened our doors with no existing clientele and built our business from scratch. This required dedication to ongoing education for myself and my staff and providing excellent service for our customers. We became recognized 8 times as being on of the Top 200 fastest growing salons in North America! We contributed this growth to our biannual photo shoots held for the hairstyling magazines which showcased our work. Read more>>

Jay Patel

After moving to Atlanta in the middle of a pandemic in 2020, and settling down with the love of my life, one friend suggested I start a pop-up, and I figured why not?! It was that night the idea, name and concept of Dhaba BBQ was created. I wanted to be able to share the flavors of Indian food with all kinds of people and change the stereotypical perception of traditional Indian food. I wanted to turn classic Indian dishes into handheld delectables. I think some people find Indian food intimidating particularly if they have never had it or are spicy food averse, but I’m looking to make it approachable to everyone. Read more>>

Nicol Karina Rodriguez Ortiz

Over time, I began merging all my passions: I became a singer-songwriter, actress, producer, and businesswoman. I use my voice not just to perform, but to tell my story and empower others—especially women—to love themselves, to heal, and to dream unapologetically. Everything I do now, from my music to my podcast and upcoming projects, is part of that bigger vision: to be light, to leave a legacy, and to prove that no matter where you start, your story can inspire millions. Read more>>

Eric Freeman

Professionally, my journey has evolved through various phases of marketing and sales. Today, I serve as an Account Executive with Audacy, working across iconic stations like V-103, 92.9 The Game, Star 94, and WAOK. In my current role, I lead both regional and national campaigns, allowing me to flex my full range of skills while constantly adapting in an ever-changing media landscape. Read more>>

Dominic Ruscetta

Before I found scissors and clippers, I spent three days each week immersed in IT operations—crunching tickets and optimizing servers. But on the four days I had off, I craved something hands-on, something creative. My wife, Sheila, challenged me to use that free time constructively, and I realized my true passion lay in the ritualistic precision of a straight-razor shave. So I enrolled in barbering and cosmetology school, intent on mastering an age-old craft. Read more>>

Natasha Cox

Especially in today’s economy, where so many small businesses are struggling or closing their doors, it can be tough. It takes strong faith to keep going. You have to remind yourself that this too shall pass. After so many years in this industry, I’ve learned that everything in business is seasonal. When it’s good, it’s great—but when it’s slow, you have to remain emotionally balanced and stay grounded in your purpose. That’s how I’ve made it through the highs and the lows—by understanding the rhythm, staying faithful, and never giving up. Read more>>

Rashad Eberhardt

Guests are often pleasantly shocked with how smooth and easy I make everything for them during their trips. The first-time guests notice that I give them an open introduction and dialogue that is completely different from the traditional way of renting cars, and this allows them to feel secure about everything. I can meet guests in person and explain everything to them, if that is what will make them feel the most comfortable. My vehicles are always reliable and I am always available. Unlike with traditional rental car companies (that can be difficult to reach during off-hours), my guests can feel confident they can reach a real human about any concerns. Read more>>

Dez Scullin

Honestly, it has been going really smooth for me. Since that one event, I have been booked for most Saturdays out of the month. The party favors and goodie bags are still taking some time to get off the ground but I am hopeful. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that I can make money off my art. In the setting, I grew up in being an artist or doing freelance wasn’t an option, they weren’t “real jobs”. I know that it is completely false but it can be hard to remember when you were told that your childhood. I am very proud of how far I have come on this journey. I am hopeful and excited to see where Dez’ Groovy Creations takes me in the future. Read more>>

Kayla Williams

Today, The Kayla Collective serves clients across the U.S. and Europe, helping brands find their voice, show up confidently online, and create content that actually connects. I specialize in social media strategy, short-form video, and creative storytelling, and I take pride in helping businesses—especially those led by women and people of color—grow and thrive in the digital space. Read more>>

Courtney Vickery, MS, RD, LD

Entrepreneurship runs in my family. My dad’s a successful small business owner, so I grew up surrounded by that mentality of building something from scratch and figuring things out along the way. That stuck with me. Even though my background is in nutrition, and not tech or business, I’ve always had an eye for systems and strategy. Read more>>

Neisha Jones

Another major challenge was balancing it all. Running multiple businesses means wearing multiple hats — CEO, marketer, customer service, creative director, and everything in between. There were moments I felt overwhelmed and wondered how I could keep up, but I learned to delegate, trust the process, and give myself grace. Read more>>

Rachel Mottern

I started this journey as the child who needed someone to believe in her. I was diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD early in elementary school, and for years, I struggled in a system that didn’t know how to support me. Everything changed in fourth grade when my special education teacher, Mrs. Deborah Scott, believed in me before I believed in myself. She saw potential, gave me the tools to learn differently, and sparked a purpose I wouldn’t fully understand until years later. I became a special education teacher because of her. Read more>>

Drew Phillips

Thank you! I’m honored to get to share my story. I started out like many in the therapy world- drawn to helping others but unsure exactly what to do with that inner pull. Since high school I was always interested in others’ stories, and I enjoyed helping friends sift through hard spots and include the kids that were outsiders. I reflected on this desire over many years and it eventually led me to be a camp counselor for special needs children, youth group leader, and eventually pursue therapy as a profession. Read more>>

Yakira And Calvin

That turned into opportunities to professionally create content for restaurants and eventually other businesses. With backgrounds in Digital Communications and Business Administration, we found ourselves blending creativity with strategy — and loving every second of it. Now, we’re proud to manage marketing for a range of clients from balloon artists and mobile cigar lounges to salon owners and fleet management teams. We don’t niche down and that’s what makes it so exciting. Every client brings a new adventure, and every project is a chance to help someone else tell their story while we keep writing ours. Read more>>

Lexus Lewis

After working with balloons in 2015 i’ve grown to love them even more as a medium! I love that balloons are colorful & flexible. Balloons can represent and be used as a sign of celebration, sadness/mourning, or “Look over here were having a sale”! Balloons are literal shapeshifters, from their physicality to the meaning of why they are present at an event or gathering. I’ve went on to create clothing, wigs, props, sculptures, paintings, and even creative direct photoshoots all with balloons Read more>>

Dominique Humphries

At first, I was just trying to make ends meet, but the more arrangements I did for friends, family, and local clients, the more I realized how much I enjoyed the process. Flowers gave me a way to express myself while also bringing joy to others. From there, the business grew through word of mouth, social media, and a lot of late nights learning and designing. Read more>>

Alexandra Dalman

Last of all, there have been some challenges for me, as a woman. These fields can be male dominated, and I’ve definitely encountered misogyny over the years. I usually go by “Alex” rather than “Alexandra.” Even now, when I speak with some clients on the phone for the first time, they’re surprised to hear my voice and find out that I’m a woman! Read more>>

Ituaje Okojie

I’m a food and travel content creator and the voice behind Letters To You Blog. I specialize in creating short-form video content that highlights restaurants, destinations, cultural events, and everyday moments in a way that feels personal, thoughtful, and visually engaging. My work blends storytelling, videography, and creative editing to bring experiences to life—whether it’s a cozy meal in Atlanta or a new adventure abroad. Read more>>

Dena Astin

I experienced undeniable transformation, not just in those I worked with, but in myself. Yet along the way, I also met resistance. Some questioned my path. Others ridiculed it. I wrestled with self-doubt, fear of judgment, and the grief of letting go of what no longer aligned with me. The deeper I stepped into my truth, the more I had to release the expectations of others, and sometimes, even parts of myself I thought I needed. Read more>>

Heather Gresham

I started by learning how to make drinks, the definitions, of each menu item that seems so foreign to average eye but over the years you dig deeper and the industry changes. Those definitions become traditions of a culture and ratios of milk to coffee. It is no longer just a list of ingredients in a recipe; it is honoring farmer, the bean, the culture and the customer. When I learned to roast it was numbers on a grid, this much gas (heat), this much air, approximately this much time is these three phases. It quickly becomes using all of your senses to roast coffee, what does it smell like, what color are the beans in which phase, what does it sound like. Read more>>

Kenmekia Stanton

During this time in my life I began to question Christianity and I completely walked away from the faith. I hated religion. I adopted a new age belief in myself being my own “goddess”.. I started to study “higher knowledge”. I became infatuated with manipulating my reality through meditation and practicing witchcraft to get what I wanted. Most of all I thought peace would come from these things. I was still very depressed and empty and broken. Read more>>

Manny Suarez

After recovering, I felt a deep urge to pursue something meaningful. I had always loved cooking, especially the empanadas that reminded me of home and family. What started with a few homemade batches shared with friends quickly turned into something more. We launched Station 10 Empanadas in Jasper, Georgia with a simple mission: to make delicious, handcrafted empanadas that bring people together. Read more>>

Katelyn Hayes

From that moment on, I leaned in. I volunteered to shoot photos at my church — Sunday services, youth events, sporting events, baptisms — anything I could be a part of. It felt natural to give back using the gift God had placed in my hands. One of my most defining experiences came in 11th grade, when I had the opportunity to take photos at a wedding alongside my dad. He had a videography business at the time, and I had the opportunity to photograph my very first wedding. That experience gave me confidence and showed me what it meant to be both creative and professional. I also started taking photos for friends and family portraits, celebrations, casual photo shoots, whatever they needed. I wasn’t thinking about business yet; I just loved capturing people in a way that made them feel seen. Read more>>

Sammy Saladino

Just two months later, driven by this newfound clarity, I bought my first starter camera kit for $500 at Walmart. In those early days, I used my friends as test subjects, approaching our small, themed photoshoots with an artistic view. I was just going out there and experimenting. Without much formal knowledge, I quickly realized I had a knack for framing a shot—which, as I’ve learned, is one of the most crucial aspects of photography. Read more>>

Hyuna Shin

I was born and raised in Korea, and my passion for photography started early. I was always drawn to visual storytelling—the way a single image could express identity, mood, and beauty in a powerful, lasting way. That curiosity led me to the U.S., where I pursued formal education in photography at the Brooks Institute of Photography in California. It was a deeply formative experience that helped me build both the technical foundation and creative voice I still carry with me today. Read more>>

Caitlin Webb

When I was younger, I struggled with work-life balance. Having time for a social life, a job, and work was a hard thing to do. At some point I realized I had to limit one of them to make time for the other two. Currently, I haven’t been able to find a good market or audience to appeal to. Not many people know of my business so I’m trying to get myself out there more Read more>>

James Maddox

Juggling the ten-week quarter system at SCAD always been tough due to the cramming-like nature of classes at times but I’ve found my progress as an artist and Game Dev has come an incredible way since my first year. Even with that though work can sometimes feel like your whole day so I try to remember to take breaks and be with people away from the computer. Read more>>

Sarah Koch

My journey began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Senegal from 2005 to 2007, where I was placed in a rural village 13 hours from Dakar to support community health. I had been trained in the Mandinka language, but quickly discovered that the people in my village spoke Jakhanke, a related but distinctly different language. So I had to start over, learning by living in community, recognizing that I had everything to learn and that those I thought I was there to serve had everything to teach me. Read more>>

Carly King

Absolutely not. There have been a lot of speed bumps and failures along the way, both in my personal life, my art life, and my business. There have been lots of tears and wanting to give up, lots of worries about the future, about making it work, about my field being taken seriously. There have been so many learning curves about owning and running a business, the consistency it requires as well as the boundaries, and so many lessons in self-confidence and believing in myself as a musician, therapist, artist, and a businesswoman. Read more>>

Rachel Russell

My interest in Medical Esthetics began when I suffered from acne in my teenage years. Naturally, I went to a Dermatologist because that was the only option for skin improvement. It was not until I visited a skin care therapist and I was educated on the full picture approach, that I saw my acne reducing and regulating. I was then excited and incentivized to seek out a career in clinical esthetics to help others in their skin journey where they feel a sense of insecurity, just as I felt. Read more>>

Nonna Horton

I create luxury pet bandanas that combine thoughtful design with everyday function. We specialize in unique, stand-out prints and our signature snap-adjustable style, made to fit comfortably and built to last. Every bandana is machine washable, high-quality, and meant to be worn, not just photographed. Read more>>

Rachael Hansen

I threw myself into my work, graduated business school, and worked part time as an art teacher for years. I later went on to get my Masters in Art Education, and taught art for a few years. I was thankful for that at the time because covid destroyed the entertainment industry for years so teaching was a good fall back plan for a while. Now face painting gives me the flexibility to stay home with my baby daughter, Mariana. I can see myself going back to teaching or starting another entertainment company. Read more>>

Jen Dean

That’s how Days In The Rays was born. What started at my kitchen table turned into years of researching fabrics, sketching ideas, and testing prototypes. With a background in nursing, every aspect of creating this line was a learning curve, an adventure, and certainly not without frustrations and setbacks. What kept me going was knowing this line could mean so much to other parents and their children. Read more>>

Kristen Carbone

It has been mostly smooth but there are setbacks just like any other new business that is opened. We were very lucky to only face some minor ones in the beginning and we have worked very hard to get everything sorted out. I have such great employees here that truly care about this business as much as I do which has really helped in getting us to where we are now and where we want to be in the future. Read more>>

Dwayne Scott

On top of the industry challenges, I’ve also had real-life responsibilities—being a father, providing for my family, and especially supporting my son who lives with autism. Balancing that with chasing a dream isn’t easy. There were times when I felt like I had to choose between the two, but my faith and my support system always reminded me that I could carry both—just not always at the same time, and not always perfectly. Read more>>

Taylor Robinson

That energy stuck with me. I didn’t know it back then, but those moments shaped who I am and what I love to do. I’ve always enjoyed planning little get-togethers, decorating for parties, and making things feel special — not just pretty, but meaningful. Over time, that passion turned into an actual business. Read more>>

Tarsha Richardson

My journey started in a place many Black women know well—burnout. I had spent years overachieving, overextending, and overdelivering in spaces that didn’t always see or value me. Somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t just tired—I was disconnected from myself. Read more>>

Ad Astra

I left the church at 20 and threw myself into understanding who I really was. That meant navigating not only my own trauma, but also the betrayals and power dynamics I had internalized—from religion, from relationships, from patriarchy. I earned two degrees, entered the corporate world, and even became the youngest Account Executive in the 140-year history of a Fortune 500 company. On paper, I was succeeding. But in reality, I was losing myself. Read more>>

Naomi Hattaway

My start came from my own departure from an international affordable housing nonprofit. I had been appointed the Deputy Director, as part of a succession planning initiative from the board of directors, yet the Executive Director didn’t have any intention of going through the process to knowledge share, share leadership, etc. During my departure (I decided to leave after realizing there were some large values misalignments), I started realizing there was a systemic issue in organizations around succession planning and being prepared for workplace transitions. Read more>>

Mason Neal

I became a dad in high school at age 17 to two boys with two different women . Which at the time I was an athlete playing basketball, track, wrestling, soccer ,& football which was main sport .. I was great athlete but I loved to hustle so I never took sports seriously like I should have because I definitely was great in every sport .needless to say I had to make a choice sports or streets & ofc being a product of my environment I chose the streets & the rest is history Read more>>

Roosevelt Boles

The road hasn’t been smooth, but when you allow GOD to lead you on this road/journey/kingdom assignment, he continues to make the crooked straight, and the rough places smooth. I have no reason to fear, as GOD is the LORD and keeper of my life. I would say, I wouldn’t do this without him. AT ALL!!!! Read more>>

Kadian Russell-Lewis

In 2015, my family experienced a series of devastating losses that would shape my perspective forever. My paternal grandmother passed away in April. In August, my brother was involved in a life-altering accident. Then, in November, we lost my paternal grandfather. These moments reminded me of how fleeting life can be—and how vital it is to create meaningful memories with our loved ones while we still can. Read more>>

Tiffany Jones

I come from a strong line of women, and as a mother of four girls myself, resilience, creativity, and determination have always been in my DNA. In 2022, like many others, I was impacted by the pandemic and laid off from a great-paying job. Thankfully, I was able to return part-time to a liquor distribution company where I had worked for nearly a decade. That time reignited a passion I’ve always had—mixology and the spirits industry. Read more>>

Samuel G Lindo

With the Nikkormat, just like with the Instamatics, I took pictures of everything—from landscapes to family and friends. I noticed that the same enjoyment I had as a child continued… and the images were better, too. These were the days of film, when there were no do-overs. What you shot was what you got. Yet, there was a certain excitement—sometimes even trepidation. “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” That was the opening line of ABC’s Wide World of Sports back then, and in photography, that same feeling existed because you never really knew whether you got the shot until the film was developed. The whole idea of “getting it right in-camera”—that’s where it comes from. There was always this sense of anticipation when waiting for your film to come back, or if you developed it yourself. Read more>>

Dr. Nemiah Plant

There were seasons where I was juggling full-time work, graduate school, and personal loss all at once—showing up for high-level responsibilities with a calm face while managing silent battles behind the scenes. I’ve navigated burnout, imposter syndrome, and the unique pressure of being the “go-to” person in every room. I’ve also experienced moments of deep self-doubt, wondering if I was doing too much—or not enough. Read more>>

Arik Sparano

For the most part it has been a smooth road, the first couple of years were hard because I was just beginning and did not have any direction and when covid hit business was slow for a while, then I did real estate photography to stay afloat, now I am doing a combination of real estate and portrait photography Read more>>

Taylor Harris

I started my business in 2017, while still in grad school, offering lessons through Groupon with a deep commitment to teaching people of all backgrounds, abilities, and comfort levels. Growing up, I often felt like teachers made it my fault when I didn’t understand something, instead of finding ways to reach me. That experience stuck with me, and it’s why I teach with patience, creativity, and empathy, especially in the water. I never want a child or adult to feel like they’re the problem. Read more>>

Eric Jones

Today, Chozen Graphics & Design is recognized for innovative designs and exceptional service. We’ve had the privilege of working with major clients like Google, Amazon, AT&T Rising Future Makers, and Grammy-nominated/award-winning artists. Our work has been featured on platforms like Lifetime Movies and at events such as Essence Fest. My journey has been anything but ordinary, but it’s the combination of hard work, passion, faith, and an unyielding drive to learn that has brought me to where I am today. Read more>>

Reginald Greene II

Growing up with two attorneys as parents came with high expectations, especially when it came to academics. From an early age, I was taught the value of education, discipline, hard work, paying attention to detail, and most importantly, faith in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While law surrounded me at home, my childhood dream was to become a doctor. I was drawn to medicine, fascinated by the human mind and body, and determined to make a difference in people’s lives. Read more>>

Dave Holland

That lead into sharing my concepts with music teachers through a series of professional development resources, live workshops and online courses. My latest pursuit has been a series of picture books – the Rhythm Rhyme Series. These books are both intended to be read in rhythm but also introduce early readers to different facets of the rhythm-making experience. My day-to-day work schedule is filled with a wide variety of programs, workshops and drum circles for both children and adults. Regardless of the event, there is always one goal in mind; to create fun-filled rhythm-based experiences that spark creativity and curiosity! Read more>>

Anjali Shenoy

For my 11th birthday, I was gifted a Canon Rebel T3i, and everything changed. That camera introduced me to a world of vibrant colors and new sensations. I started to study the act of creating more carefully because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than how I identify. I brought the camera with me everywhere, including a family trip to India in 2017. It completely changed the way I experienced those moments. Instead of just being a part of the trip, I was documenting it. The smells, the colors, the feeling of the air all come rushing back when I look at those photos. It gave me a deeper connection to my roots and a different lens through which to see the world around me. Read more>>

Darrell Grant

I grew up in a single parent home, and my mother used arts and entertainment as a form of escape from our everyday struggles. Our trips around Houston on Metro (the city bus) were humbling adventures, where I learned to use my imagination. Through connecting routes on the city bus, my mother made sure I was apart of every fine arts activity I loved. So I dedicate my love of art, performance and storytelling to the memory of my loving mother Paulette Grant. Read more>>

Eshan Ravuri

The brand started as a shared vision between me and someone I once considered ride-or-die. We poured in our own money, made insane sacrifices, and told ourselves we’d see this through no matter what. But not everyone who starts the race finishes it. Weeks after swearing loyalty to Ice Dazzle, that person bailed — walked away emotionally, then came back with lawyers, trying to reclaim an investment he willingly abandoned. That was a turning point. The dream didn’t die — it evolved. It became mine. Read more>>

Dalarie Gonzales

While hospitality is the main industry in Las Vegas, I knew it wasn’t my calling. All the suits and “my pleasures”? There had to be something else for me. That’s when I met someone who changed the trajectory of my life. My new friend Sameen was in town opening a music venue, Brooklyn Bowl. I was instantly drawn to her and the opportunity to try something new. I started interning for free after work at the venue, soaking up information and discovering what else might be out there for me. Eventually, I was offered a full-time job as their Marketing Coordinator. Read more>>