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.

Ciaress Renee LE

At the same time, I’ve stepped into mentoring and business building, because I know how overwhelming it can feel starting out. My journey hasn’t been perfect—I have to balance distractions, money habits, and building structure—but every step has made me sharper and more intentional. Now, I’m focused on building businesses that not only support me financially but also inspire and create opportunities for others. Read more>>

Joe Havasy

I worked as a cartoonist for the local free paper “the Flagpole” and opened my Etsy store in 2004. I’ve been selling paintings, prints, stickers, magnets and t-shirts all over the world ever since. I’ve always maintained a full time job as well, so that’s definitely been a challenge, but it also allows me the freedom to create the work that I desire to make. One of my friends told me I should create the art that I “want on my wall” and that’s been my philosophy ever since. Read more>>

Becky Loveland

In May 2020, at the height of Covid, Kelson earned his mighty wings just a few months shy of his 9th birthday. As his July birthday drew near, Kelson’s sister Emma Sue, who was 11 at the time, asked how we were going to celebrate now that he was in Heaven. Conversations quickly became a plan – we would organize a week-long kindness campaign in Kelson’s memory, and Emma Sue decided it would be called “7 Days of Kelson’s Kindness”. It was a beautiful success and this year, we celebrated our 6th Annual #7Days4Kelson (hashtag also compliments of the big sister), sprinkling big and small kindnesses like confetti far and wide, all in memory of our beloved boy. Read more>>

India Leigh

India Leigh’s journey into intuition and spiritual coaching began later in life, after becoming a mother in her 40s following a lengthy and difficult fertility journey. That pivotal life shift brought unexpected gifts, including clairvoyance, clairsentience and claircognizance, which she embraced following confirmation from a seasoned psychic. This awakening, paired with her connection to spirit guides, inspired her to pivot from her previous career as a journalist and editor and step fully into her role as an Intuitive Reader and Inner Connection Coach. Read more>>

Oladapo Falase

After the wedding of my daughter in 2009, it became clear to me that an average income earner who loves to gather family & celebrate memorable events are not able to afford a decent venue. It was hardly possible to also have sufficient hours that will accommodates party set up, a relaxed party time & cleanup. That need begun a hunger in me to give back to the community by providing a safe, cosy, cost effective and family oriented venue with allowance of over 12 hours per event. Read more>>

Lauren Taylor

I also make a point to attend networking events and connect regularly with other therapists and professionals in the area. I have found that building these relationships creates a trusted network, which has reciprocal benefits. When a client needs something outside of my scope, like acupuncture or a psychological assessment, I want to know I’m referring them to someone who will take great care of them. Read more>>

Marlo Meyerhofer

Other innovative offerings include Paddleboard Yoga and Adult Jazz Groove with Amanda Valentino. Through these efforts, the company has cultivated a vibrant community of individuals passionate about yoga, wellness, and giving back to those in need, creating a lasting impact through movement and generosity and helping to “brew peace” within ourselves and those we encounter. Read more>>

Caroline Edwards

Wow! This is a big question. I guess I’ll start by saying that I’ve always loved writing and storytelling. It’s a creative outlet that is necessary to my existence (and sanity). I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism. However, I knew I didn’t want to do anything political or sports-related. What was left was every little girl’s dream: magazine editor. I grew up watching E! News (RIP) and Bravo with my mom and, of course, my canon event—seeing The Devil Wears Prada in theaters. So, that is what I set out to do, but I didn’t want to leave home. I come from a divorced family, and leaving didn’t feel right. So I found opportunities in my backyard. Read more>>

Bella Sparks

I always knew whatever it was I did i wanted it to be creative and something different every day. I’ve always loved expressing myself through different forms of art whether it be painting, fashion or body art I knew that that’s what I wanted to pursue later on down the line. Here we are now. I was lucky enough to find not one but two things that fed my soul and I am super grateful for it. Read more>>

Lisa Lindsay

FruiTea Bubbles Café was founded by Lisa Lindsay on January 15, 2022—symbolically opening on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a celebration of new beginnings and community. Rooted in her British-Caribbean heritage and passion for creative drinks, Lisa envisioned blending two rich traditions—British-Caribbean and Asian—into a unique tea experience. Raised in a family that cherished daily tea time, she began mixing flavorful concoctions early on, evolving from casual get-togethers with friends to highly sought-after creations at parties and community events. Read more>>

Allison Riley

Having spent years working in commercial cleaning for extra income, Allison saw firsthand the potential of the billion-dollar cleaning industry and boldly ventured out as an entrepreneur. Her ability to manage complex projects and deliver consistent results has not only set her company apart but has also inspired others to see the power of turning education and experience into entrepreneurship. Her journey is a testament to how strategy, determination, and vision can transform a single idea into a trusted brand serving businesses across the community. Read more>>

Jeffrey Salazar

In the mid-2010s I was only teaching part time. To make ends meet I worked restaurant shifts, including a stretch on the ramen line at Ginya Izakaya, and I picked up freelance translation when I could. My first students came from Craigslist posts and flyers I taped up in coffee shops. I often biked or took MARTA across Atlanta to meet people at their homes or in cafes. It was scrappy, but it gave me an early view of the range of people interested in Japanese and helped me shape my approach to teaching. Read more>>

John Addington

Years later, I turned that same creative energy toward photography and video, getting my start working with real estate agents to showcase their listings. What began as a niche service has grown into Clay Verse Media, a full-service media and coaching company. Today, we help businesses and organizations craft their message, create compelling visuals, and build marketing strategies that actually drive results. Read more>>

Jessica Aucar

With time I have continued to grow my clientele. And little that I know it has been over 2 years of running a successful pet grooming business from home. Which offers me great flexibility as I schedule clients during the morning and during the afternoon I go back to being a mom and drive my kids around. This process has proved me that its ok to have dreams while being a mom. I have learned what I am capable of and have dreams of growing the business (on the works). Slowly my vision is coming to pass. Read more>>

Craig Henry

Now fast-forward to today, I’ve built a life around that spark. I run TheTravelJunkee and THETRAVELJUNKEES LLC, where I share stories, tips, and hidden gems from around the globe. Like if you’re in Rome, I’ll point you to Gregory’s Jazz Club by the Spanish Steps—it’s the perfect spot for live jazz. Or if you’re in Lisbon, I’ll tell you about a little neighborhood where you can only get to by Tuk Tuk, but trust me, the food is unforgettable. Read more>>

Kiana Collins

I began my real estate career in 2015 when I became a licensed Realtor. Early on, I built my foundation by hosting open houses, which gave me the opportunity to connect with buyers and sellers in a hands-on way. From there, I developed a strong passion for helping military families and specialized in military relocation, guiding service members and their families as they transitioned to Georgia. Eventually, I expanded my reach and became licensed in South Carolina, serving clients across both states. Read more>>

Vihari Ayyalasomayajula

Finally, I saw change when I received a grant from the mayor for a different community-focused project I was working on. That experience gave me the tools and connections I needed to take things further. I began to understand how to do hands-on environmental work. With that foundation, I was able to expand the Green Ink Initiative to include not just comic distribution, but also real-world farming efforts here in Atlanta. Read more>>

Mitchell Tanzy

For a lot of our campers, this is their very first time leaving the city, swimming in a lake, catching a fish, or roasting a marshmallow over a campfire. You can see them light up as they try new things, build friendships, and gain confidence in themselves. And what’s powerful is that it’s not just a week of fun, it’s a chance for them to step away from the challenges of their daily lives and see new possibilities for themselves. Watching that transformation happen year after year is one of the most meaningful parts of my story, and it keeps me committed to expanding the program so more kids can benefit. Read more>>

Tabitha Jordan

And that was it. That’s the moment I knew I was where I was meant to be. For the first time in my life, I knew where I belonged. For so many years I had toiled over what path to take and never felt satisfied with the choices I made. It wasn’t some extraordinary thing that happened to me that made me realize I wanted to seriously pursue a film career. It was that simple feeling, like when that last puzzle piece just falls into place. Read more>>

Tuwan (DJ Trak) Banks

I founded Trak Music Distribution because I personally witnessed the need for artists with potential who lacked an effective way to release their music without being lost in the system.I initially helped local artists with track releases and platform setup, but it soon became apparent that what we were creating went beyond one-time releases. Read more>>

Tanvi Desai

After years of training and earning my Doctor of Chiropractic degree, I discovered the NUCCA method—a gentle, highly precise approach to spinal alignment that focuses on the C1 vertebra and its connection to the brainstem. I knew immediately that this was the type of care I wanted to dedicate my life to: care that didn’t just mask symptoms but restored the nervous system, the body’s master control center, so true healing could take place. Read more>>

Neisha Tweed Bell

I’ve led groundbreaking projects blending creative problem solving, emerging technology, and community – from launching Citi Bike in NYC to creating VR experiences for St. Jude to establishing the health creative practice at Meta. Those projects might look different on the surface, but they all prove the same thing: when creativity meets culture and tech, you can actually move people.  Read more>>

Darius Westmoreland

We have become very successful as we have become one of the top leagues in the city. It was not easy to get to this point. We have faced a lot of competition along the way. We even had issues getting guys to show up to games if they had another game in rival leagues at the same time. We’ve also had instances where people have wanted us to abandon our formula and operate more like other leagues. However, we stuck to the way God gave us to run the league and we have experienced great success. Read more>>

Rachel Voyles

I grew up in Forsyth County in a very close-knit family with a strong support system of both immediate and extended relatives. My childhood was filled with horses, piano lessons, and plenty of family gatherings, and from an early age I learned the importance of hard work, kindness, and perseverance. Those values shaped the way I approached everything – if you’re going to do something, do it right or not at all; be courageous; and never give up. Read more>>

D’lynne Plummer

During COVID, I had the chance to collaborate with the NIH on its Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics initiative, helping companies with content, branding, and design as they worked on innovative health solutions. That experience deepened my passion for the life sciences space and showed me the impact of combining creativity with mission-driven work. It also grew my business exponentially, and I knew I was on a roll. Read more>>

Eli Blackshear

This past July I was fortunate enough to with the 56th bi-annual Eddie’s Attic Open Mic Shootout, cementing my name up with previous winners such as John Mayer, Tyler Childres, and Jennifer Neddles. It’s been an amazing, ever-evolving journey, and I just feel so blessed to be able to make music with and for my friends, and I’m forever looking forward to the future! Read more>>

Helen Panos

At this time, we have 20 qualified tutors who work for my company assisting kids with academics and test-taking skills. I am in the 5th year of my podcast, “Smart Parents Successful Students”, which can be found on my website, Spotify and the company YouTube Channel. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to speak to different groups on a smaller scale, so that parents can get to know me, my knowledge, experience, and the value I can bring to their family. Today, I am happy to say, we are helping hundreds of children be successful in school and in life. Read more>>

Alisa King

While teaching, I started to notice a gap. Students, professionals, and even other educators had amazing talents and passions, but they struggled to figure out how to channel those gifts into income, freedom, or long-term impact. That’s where the idea for the Profit Pathway was born. At first, it was simply me offering curriculum design and side-hustle coaching. But the more I worked with people, the clearer it became that they didn’t just need resources, they needed a framework, a roadmap, and someone to help them cut through the overwhelm. Read more>>

Kaili Myers

When I’m not actively looking for work or working, I am looking into starting up a business of my own. I’ve dabbled a bit in merch sales through Redbubble, but would like the means to branch out from that and expand on what kind of merchandise I could be making. I’ve started up a bigcartel to sell leftover stock from a zine, and I’ll hopefully be working my way up from there. Read more>>

Stephanie Remon

The first is my full-service property solutions company. We support real estate investors, real estate agents, property managers, and homeowners with everything from vendor coordination and on-site services to helping contractors and field professionals secure the insurance coverage they need, including general liability, workers comp, and commercial auto. Whether we’re managing a property or helping someone stay compliant for the job, our goal is to simplify operations so our clients can stay protected, stay ready, and stay focused on growth. Read more>>

Shirene Douglas

From the start, we’ve been about more than just baby clothes. Our bright, bold, and organic pieces are designed to celebrate the little milestones that mean so much, while part of our mission is to give back by supporting infertility nonprofits that encouraged me when I needed it most. Read more>>

Sadia

I earned my MD in 1997 and pursued my dream of becoming a dermatologist despite many challenges. With the support of my parents and husband, I completed my postgraduate training in dermatology and practiced as a dermatologist in Lahore, Pakistan, for 15 years (2005–2019). Those years were deeply rewarding as I helped patients regain confidence in their skin and health. Read more>>

Maselli

I try to mix sounds that have underground influences and acid house elements yet at the same time adding some groovy elements to keep the crowd happy and dancing. One of the most important elements and a huge secret to being a great DJ is learning to “read the crowd” which takes multiple failed tries and some blows to anyones ego. At the end of the day to me all the ups and downs give me life in a world where we’re told to conform to the norm. Read more>>

Mik Flyy

My journey in media really began with The ACE Network. Yesha, the owner of the platform, saw something in me that I didn’t even fully see in myself at the time. She gave me the opportunity to create a show where I interviewed Black-owned businesses in and around Atlanta, which aired on the Roku app. That moment was the spark it gave me my voice, my lane, and a platform to shine light on entrepreneurs who deserved to be seen. Read more>>

Dakota Tucker

When I decided to go into business. I can say at this moment that I am glad I did it. As of today where I am at with this I am creating partnerships with people or business owners and also creating leaders in the communities. By helping people and providing a service to the community on educating people of how to grow and protect their wealth and their legacy. While helping people to take back control of time and giving them power of choice that a lot of them didn’t know they have when it comes to their finances. That which a lot of us would like to have is a “peace of mind”. Read more>>

Kailey Kiser

I began taking an interest in the makeup industry towards the end of high school, as I became a fan favorite to do my friends makeups for special events and occasions. It became my passion making those closest to me feel beautiful, and it was something I decided I wanted to do for others full time. Read more>>

Brandon

Even the little things, like internet service or taking payments in remote areas, turned into big challenges. On top of that, manage demand during peak season, and find ways to stay productive during slower months like winter. The road hasn’t been easy, but every setback has taught me something and pushed me to adapt, improve, and keep Tres Jardines growing. Read more>>

Derick Beresford

I established my career in New York City but COVID brought me back home to Atlanta (I was born here and raised on the Southside in Jonesboro. I now live in Buckhead with my wife and two sons. I started consulting full time helping brands establish their voice, refine their marketing tactics and manage multi-channel campaigns. I operate at the intersection of culture, authenticity and strategy. Read more>>

Ace Boon Coon

Of course it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. There’s been plenty of bumps in the road from producer splits, clearances, label deals and releases. And of course, the money everything always resorts back to the money. In any journey there are ups and downs, and in this industry the challenges are twice as hard because everyone is watching. I’m grateful for those obstacles now because every trial taught me discipline, patience, and how to pay attention and learn the business not just make music. In this business if you don’t have your own back and understand the ins and outs of the business you will lose. Read more>>

Tiffany Qualls

I am a self taught makeup enthusiast and artist. I also started a lash line as well. I recently taught myself how to do cluster lash extension installs as well. I am most proud of my makeup capabilities and the way I can adapt to an ever changing market and gain clientele. What sets me apart from others is my customer service experience and most importantly my eye for beauty. I am a professional. I’m a people person and I treat each client like family. Read more>>

Brianna Conley

I would always have fresh flower arrangements in our guest’s rooms. It started out simple, with no design. But it soon sparked a creative desire in me. I began seeing flowers, textures, colors, scents and placement in arrangements as art instead of just flowers. A friend told me how special she felt because of the flowers I took the time to design just for her. Seeing the joy on her face made me realize I wanted to pursue a career in floral design. Read more>>

Marcus “MJ” Johnson

What sparked my interest was watching how each person had a different style when they danced, but each one of them were doing amazing acrobatic tricks that I knew they had been practicing on for some time. Today guys we’re so good that you could tell that they practice on a daily basis to be able to do the things they were doing and like it wasn’t nothing! I instantly knew then that I had to be apart of this underground world. Read more>>

Carmen Halphen

My creative journey began with school and high school theatre productions, where I fell in love with the stage. From there, I transitioned into professional theatre and had the privilege of working with some of the best theatre directors in my country. In total, I participated in more than a dozen productions, mostly as an actor but also behind the scenes. Those experiences gave me a foundation in performance, collaboration, and discipline, while sparking a deep respect for the power of live storytelling. Read more>>

Micah Brantley

In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, I returned to that passion with more intentionality and launched Deco Négro. Deco Négro is a home décor and lifestyle brand I created to celebrate Black culture through design, storytelling, and calligraphy. I wanted to create something that reflected Black culture and heritage in a sophisticated, unapologetic way. I try to create pieces that carry meaning, history, and pride into people’s homes. From lamps to engraved wall art to pillows, every item I design tells a story, often through the calligraphy that has been with me since childhood. Read more>>

Andrea Holt Melissa Christensen

The response was immediate. In our first 90 days, we signed six clients, landed more than 100 media placements and earned 25+ minutes of TV coverage. On social, our content generated over 200,000 views and reached more than 18,000 accounts in 30 days, proving that the right stories, told the right way, can cut through and attract entirely new audiences. Read more>>

Jonathan Fantroy

The first few weeks you spend with your puppy can make such a difference. I love to help you people along that journey. Then, there are situations where problems arise later in the dog’s life. I also enjoy helping people to understand their dog better, even if they’ve had them for years. I have a ton of experience working with adopted dogs and new puppies, working to help them feel secure and comfortable in their new homes. I can confidently say that I’ve worked with hundreds of dogs and every kind of dog personality one can think of (and the behaviors to match). Read more>>

Face Of The Internet

And to be specific the commercial and cultural used, And not only that i made sure i own the digital homepages of my Brand like every point with its specific domain like now because i get over 90 million views monthly not only direct on my platforms but also from the ones using my pictures, so fans started to say my pics are everywhere on websites, articles, Ai tools and i came up with Face of the internet and owned the domain (faceoftheinternet.com) too for branding and royalty purposes and i did the same for my future projects i have like greatesticon.com for my art projects, greatestidol.com, greatestgoat.com for my brand strategist career , etc its a whole movement Read more>>

Jennifer Jackson

As a self-taught makeup artist, I have been an avid lover of makeup and professionally practicing in my artistry for over fifteen years. Before my relocation to Atlanta, I was trained as a professional makeup artist, perfecting my craft in bridal and in-studio makeup, including airbrushing, proper application and color correction, and custom blended skin-enhancing with foundation, concealer, and powder. My objective as your makeup artist is to provide a professional, yet quality service of makeup artistry that you deserve. My signature look will have to feel stunning, sophisticated, and glamorous Plus, heads will turn once you enter the room! Read more>>

Bryan Broyles

Over this time, I started traveling and playing in nationwide events. I was introduced to more and more pinball collectors, and after speaking with some, they had opened places in Florida and North Carolina to allow people to come and play their games. Read more>>

Chef Nevia Giles

I knew I liked baking and played with the idea of pursuing a baking career, so I took some hospitality classes while I was at Boston University studying business. I also did some catering gigs. But it wasn’t a great fit, the work was too rushed and buttoned up for me. After graduating, I put my baking ideas to the side and I worked in the utility space for about 13 years. I didn’t give up my dream completely, I continued baking for friends, family, and coworkers. Read more>>

Nadja Castillo

Costa Rica Dream Adventures (CRDA) was founded in 1999 by Arthur Salus, after a fishing trip to Costa Rica in 1996 sparked his passion for the country. Partnering with Roys Diaz, they created CRDA to offer fully customized vacation packages with transfers, lodging, tours, and 24/7 in-country assistance. Today, with offices in Atlanta and San José, CRDA is a leading U.S. tour operator specializing in Costa Rica, dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for travelers. Read more>>

Mitchell & Ezekiel Ebimaro

That vision planted a seed, and over time, it grew into what is now Bliss Haven. The journey, however, was anything but simple. With courage and faith, we secured an empty unit on Canton Road in Marietta, Georgia. From lease negotiations and zoning approvals to long nights of planning, research, and hand-selecting every detail of the décor, the process demanded patience, resilience, and love. Read more>>

Rocheal Matthews

By 2017, when our son was born, I knew I couldn’t go back to my teaching job and pay someone else to raise him. That was the turning point — I started charging for my work, and things began to take off. Since then, there have been so many milestones: Will leaving his 25-year career to join me and launch our videography arm, and Stephen officially coming on as a lead photographer. Those were huge moments that birthed Rocheal Photography Group and turned my little dream into a true team and business. Read more>>

Helena Paschal

I am a PR Consultant helping professionals, executives, and business owners gain visibility through storytelling, media exposure, and social media strategy. I give clients the spotlight once reserved for celebrities, helping them get the recognition their expertise deserves. Read more>>

Rena Rose

876 NyaMminz specializes in authentic Jamaican cuisine, cooked with love and tradition. From jerk chicken to oxtail, curry goat, and patties, everything is made with bold island spices and fresh ingredients. Read more>>

Jessie Willis

Over time, I began building my practice by carefully adding like-minded therapists to the team. Each therapist was selected not only for their clinical skills but also because they shared the same vision and values. From the beginning, my goal was to create something more than just a therapy company. I wanted to build a place where therapists could thrive and feel supported, just as much as the families we serve.  Read more>>

Sasha Rezmer

In 2017, I took a job at Sugar Hill Christian Academy teaching preschool music and upper school Chorus, Musical Theatre, Music Theory, as well as, Piano and Ukulele alongside my private piano students. My time there came to a close when I decided to stay home with my now 2-year-old in 2022. At that time, I officially launched my own business and Music with Ms. Sasha was born! I currently teach a full load of private piano students and teach Kindermusik out of two studios in Flowery Branch and Gainesville. I truly thrive on bringing the love of music to my students and families! Read more>>

Melissa Slocum

That routine lasted several years until I went to middle school and was referred to another great teacher. I did well, always performing in competitions and recitals. While I wasn’t her top student, my teacher always encouraged me to work harder, practice more, and develop the skills for harder and harder repertoire. I had also picked up clarinet and enjoyed concert and marching bands, and participated in church choirs and music. I grew immensely, but by my senior year of high school I had burned out. I just wanted to take a break, play fun music, and not have the pressures of competition. Read more>>

Jacqueline Rendon

It has been quite a journey . I worked for 3 beauty schools where I gained experience and I discovered that I wanted to own my own school and be able to help women and push them to believe that being in the beauty industry is a real career. Learning from different artist and always keeping up to date with educational classes, continuing education, and beauty shows has shaped me in my career , I always want women to know that we never stop learning and staying humble in this industry is a big factor to growth. Read more>>

Sareena

It all started on a cold January morning in 2019. I was sitting on the stairs of my new home when a friend called. She had seen a dance video of mine and was so impressed that she asked if I could teach her kids. That evening, two children walked into my living room. Within weeks, two became twenty. Then a single Facebook post turned six into thirty-five. Before I knew it, I was hosting a sold-out recital—and Naach was born. Read more>>

Nicole McDaniel

Through researching and exploring these modalities I was introduced to the world of professional coaching. Ultimately, I decided to pursue additional training and become a Board Certified Coach (BCC), which has allowed me to expand my wellness offerings beyond psychotherapy. In 2022, I launched my coaching practice, Nicole M. Coaching, where I now support clients as a performance, leadership, and career development coach. Read more>>

Azaria Jackson

In 2022, I started practicing photography with family and friends. It was just for fun at first, but the more I practiced, the more I realized how much joy it brought me. Then, in 2024, after I had my son, everything changed. I bought my first professional camera and started taking pictures of him every month as he grew, all the way through his first year. Read more>>

Susan Johnson

My career then brought me to Shepherd Center a nationally recognized leader in spinal cord injury rehabilitation to develop a Brain Injury Program where I spent 22 years of service. By the time I retired, the Brain Injury Program had grown into a 60-bed inpatient rehabilitation unit, with innovative initiatives like a Disorders of Consciousness Program, community day and residential services, and an outpatient concussion program. A highlight program came when Bernie Marcus from the Marcus Foundation gave money to Shepherd Center to develop the SHARE Military Initiative, now a nationally recognized program serving veterans with TBI and PTSD a legacy that continues as AVALON. Read more>>