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.

Lisa James

I pursued a psychology degree because I’ve always been fascinated by people—what hurts us, what heals us, and how we change. I earned an MBA because vision needs a vehicle. Those lenses—human and operational—shaped my career in project management and data governance, where I learned to untangle complexity and design systems that actually work. All the while, my pen never stopped moving. Read more>>

Douglas Haan

That realization led me to expand my expertise beyond fitness into business leadership, career strategy, and holistic wellness coaching. Over time, I became the #1-rated life coach on multiple platforms, coaching thousands of individuals—from high-performing executives to entrepreneurs—helping them gain clarity, build unshakable confidence, and design lives that truly fulfill them. Read more>>

Dr. Shannon Wilkerson EdD ACS NCC LPC

During that time, I learned a lot regarding the ins and outs of running a private practice. Since 2024, I have been running my own private practice (MindDevelopers Counseling & Supervision PC). At MindDevelopers, we have a diverse and dedicated team. Our specialists consist of experienced mental health professionals that are passionate and driven to help manage your mental health. My business goals for 2026, is to purchase an office building to expand services. Read more>>

Carson Regan

My journey into healthcare started unexpectedly early, as a teenager navigating the joys and challenges of young motherhood. Born in Georgia and raised mostly in Birmingham, Alabama, I became a mom at 17, welcoming my first child with excitement and the reality of growing up quickly. At 18, my second child arrived three months prematurely in an emergency c-section that shook our world. Watching my tiny baby fight in the Neonatal ICU, supported by compassionate nurses who became our lifeline, sparked a deep calling in me. My third baby, was a succesful unmedicated VBAC with a certified nurse midwife. Read more>>

Tonya Millions-Fitch

Unfortunately, my father passed away in December 2020, just months before the launch of ASTRE Wellness. His memory fuels my mission every single day. Opening the doors to ASTRE Wellness in early 2021 was not just the start of a business; it was the beginning of a legacy of health, healing, and hope for others. Read more>>

Wilhemina Hooper

I got into this business about four years ago, and it all started when SunTrust and BB&T merged. They offered early retirement to anyone who’d been there 20 years or more, and I thought, “You know what? I’m ready for this.” I’d been in the corporate world since I was 19, and I really needed a break. I’d heard people talk about loan signing agents, but honestly, I had no clue how it actually worked. I just knew you had to be a notary first. Read more>>

ASONITE

I have dabbled and produced in genres like house, pop, indie, rap, rage, rock, and Afro beats but my core sound leans towards experimental / modern trap / rap, with a kind of cyberpunk / futuristic aesthetic in my music and maybe visuals. I do consistent live concerts where my fan base continues to grow. I’ve produced for names such ass cross vision who is a huge influence in Atlantas music scene and culture. I’ve performed at underground shows featuring some buzzing names such as Digital Nas, Lil gnar, Tony Shnow, Yellabandana, and Atl smook. Read more>>

Anna Danielle Dean

Although I enjoy taking care of others, I also recognized my passion for creativity and problem-solving. Because of this, and personal reasons, I decided to research different art programs and found the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) was ranked number one in the country for Interior Design. As soon as I set my sights on their website, interior design offerings, and career potential, I applied for the undergraduate program at SCAD Atlanta. Read more>>

Rashad & Monique Davis

Together, we saw an opportunity to merge those strengths—people, performance, and process. That’s how ventures like Jireh Wealth Partners were born along with are bread and butter companies (Fresh Talent Solutions & T86 Marketing): to equip families and business owners with wealth solutions that secure their future. Along the way, we’ve partnered on events, built communities, trained leaders, and mentored individuals who are looking to step into their next level. Read more>>

Brooke Torrey

I had the most vivid dream of my entire life and when I awoke, I knew exactly what to do with that name… and so the adventures of Babbles and Brumskies began! Our goal is simple: to offer clothing in matching styles and patterns for both healthy and medically complex children. In doing so, siblings can match and medically complex children have cute clothing options like all other kids! Read more>>

Robyn Albeke

I have been in the arts since age 4. My Mother always made sure that I had dance & art classes. I was accepted into Davidson Fine Arts School in Augusta, Ga in 6th grade where I branched out into creative writing & photography as well. My arts education continued in the Lamar Dodd School of Art at UGA where I majored in photography. I am incredibly proud of the platform that I’m building for WPG. It’s not common to see a gallery that supports every branch of the arts. If you are a creative in ANY area & are interested in being a part of the gallery, I will find a way to make it work! Read more>>

Arynn Hall

From Montgomery roots to Georgia power moves — Arynn ‘Miss Lucy’ Hall is rewriting the rules! What began as a childhood curiosity quickly evolved into a calling. Arynn “Miss Lucy” Hall picked up an acrylic brush at just eight years old — and never let it go. While other kids explored hobbies, she was refining a skill. With her mother’s steady support and friends and family as her earliest clients, she turned practice into purpose and talent into trajectory. Read more>>

Howard Krinsky

People discovered not just the joy of the finished piece, but the thrill of the act itself. That pilot evolved into something much bigger. The Splatter Studio emerged as a standalone business built entirely around that sense of playful, unbounded creativity. Today it thrives as its own experience-driven art space, proof that when you remove the limits, you invite everyone to become an artist. Read more>>

Slma Shelbayah

I often say that storytelling is in my DNA. Growing up as the daughter of Egyptian immigrants, I learned early on what it meant to navigate between worlds—bridging cultures, faith, languages, and perspectives. That duality shaped me: I had to listen carefully, speak thoughtfully, and show up in authentic ways that commanded trust. I didn’t know it then, but those lessons were laying the foundation for everything I would do later in life as a journalist, consultant, and leader. Read more>>

Saralyn Collins

Grow fresh local food started on Sept 15, 2014. Previously in business at the same location as a meat and 3, Good To Go Restaurant, Grow is an expansion of our farm to table roots and philosophy. The owner, Saralyn Collins, and Manager, Keesha Beard, have been working together for over 20 years. Read more>>

Jamie Phillips

25 years ago, I was very lost spiritually and physically sick. God came into my life, showing me a better way to live. I had severe health issues and battled suicidal ideation, searching for a way out. God showed me I had to be cleaned out from within. My journey was difficult, but I now understand my purpose. Read more>>

Mark Gravel

I actually started my career in a completely different field. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Speech Pathology and was hired by Pfizer just two weeks later. Working in their world-class training department taught me a lot about leadership, communication, and understanding people — skills that would become invaluable later. Read more>>

Mark Gravel

I live by the saying, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” My love for collecting started with my dad, a huge Bob Dylan fan, and quickly shifted from music to sports cards. Read more>>

Craig Mcilvain

I’ve always been fascinated by what makes people pay attention — what draws their eye, what makes them trust a brand, and what makes them take action. My journey into marketing started out of that curiosity and a desire to help small businesses stand out in a noisy world. I started CraigAds after years of seeing local businesses struggle to find honest, effective marketing help. Read more>>

April Friday

I wanted to share a bit about my journey into event planning and how Lavish And Luxe Events came to be. My interest in event planning started in late 2009 or early 2010 when a family member asked for my help decorating a baby shower. I’ve always had a strong creative side, drawn to decor, arts, and putting things together. Read more>>

Lavette Minn

My journey began over 20 years ago in the healthcare industry as a certified medical coder, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and integrity in patient care. While I found purpose in that work, I also discovered a passion for creativity, storytelling, and helping others present their best selves to the world. That passion led me to entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Anthony Washington

I’ve always been drawn to art. As a kid, I would sit and watch my older brother draw, and that’s what first sparked my love for creativity especially art that tells a story or captures a moment in time. Early on I was sketching, painting, and experimenting with different mediums, even throughout college where I earned my degree. But tattooing really called to me. Read more>>

Imani Williams

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always known that I wanted to become an attorney. There was something about the pursuit of justice, the power of advocacy, and the ability to make a meaningful impact that called to me from a young age. As I grew older and the time to turn that dream into reality approached, I’ll admit—I had moments of doubt. Read more>>

Sharon Burtzlaff

When I was around 7 or 8 years old my family would watch the show The Bob Newhart Show on tv. In the show, Bob played a psychotherapist with his own private practice. I used to love watching that show and remember asking my dad if the job Bob Newhart had on the show was a real job and he told me that it was. Read more>>

Dorian Zachery

My journey began with a deep-rooted passion for beauty, wellness, and empowerment. In 2018, I opened Pure Beauty Bar ATL in Jonesboro, Georgia, with the vision of creating a salon that offered more than just services—it would be a sanctuary where clients felt seen, celebrated, and transformed. Read more>>

Ciara Mokeme

My story really begins in 2003, when I was a teenager making some not-so-great decisions and hanging around the wrong crowd. After one too many missed curfews, my mom decided it was time for a change, and I suddenly found myself moving from Massachusetts to live with my dad on an island off the coast of Portland, Maine. Read more>>

Ryann Sharpe

At Elite Body Restoration, our mission is simple: Help our community feel better, move better, and recover faster without the drive to Atlanta. After a serious car accident left me in chronic pain, I tried everything. But it was cryotherapy and compression therapy that truly changed my life quickly and consistently. Read more>>

Manisha Jauhari

I’ve always believed that art should be an experience something that brings people together, sparks joy, and leaves a lasting impression. That belief led me to open Hawaii Fluid Art in Johns Creek, where creativity flows as freely as the paint. My journey began with a passion for community and a knack for creating memorable moments. Read more>>

corbett wright

I am a graduate of Brown barber college. I started cutting in present location in the spring of ‘96 under Calvin Miller(TRM). I became owner and renamed shop in 2007. The new name I created was Cj’s Barber & Beauty Shop Llc. I am about to celebrate 30years here and I feel as if I am just getting started  Read more>>

Sydney Tamares

I am a self taught family photographer. I’ve always considered myself a creative person and grew up in the arts. In my college years, I worked as a nanny for children aged 4 months to 5 years and always took pictures throughout our day to send to parents so they didn’t feel like they missed out on too much! Read more>>

Nick B

My journey really started long before I ever knew it would become a career. when I was just Bri. I’ve always been drawn to creativity and self-expression, and hair was one of my first outlets. Read more>>

Ervin Howard

After earning my degree in Computer and Information Science from Elizabeth City State University, I was inspired by my passion for technology to help small businesses with antivirus installations, hardware setups, and software configurations—often pro bono, as my goal was to see them succeed. Read more>>

James Boyd Rachel Cockran

Garnish Event Services began with a simple vision—making events more meaningful, affordable, and accessible. We started out as a mobile bartending service and coordinating small events, and we quickly realized how much stress planning can put on hosts and nonprofits. Read more>>

Jonathon McClellan

Hello, and thank you for sharing my story! My story begins eighteen years ago. Now I’m 37, then, I was 19 years old working in near total anonymity as a grassroots fundraiser for Children’s International, Save the Children, the HRC, the ACLU, and more. Countless times, I was ignored on busy streets as I stood with a binder raising money. Read more>>

Nyomi Kior

My Story First, I have to say none of this would be possible without God, strength, pain, and dedication. I started doing makeup when I was about 16, just practicing on myself and my mom. I remember ordering my first makeup set from Amazon, lol. I would spend hours watching YouTube tutorials, learning what to use and how to use it. Read more>>

Makenzie Collier

I started dancing at the age of 13, and from the moment I began, I knew it was something I was meant to do. Dance quickly became my passion and the path I wanted to follow. As I grew, I began training at Dance 411 in Atlanta, which opened so many incredible doors for me. Read more>>

Jeff Hamiltin

A Taste of Jazz Catering was inspired by my grandmother, Pearl ‘Pee Taa’ Page .She worked as a maid for the Brennan family, who own Commander’s Palace, a five-star restaurant in New Orleans. Read more>>

Raivon Lee

Now, Raivon LeToyia helps others manifest from authenticity through The Energetic Glow Up Podcast and LLC, her children’s brand Law of Attraction Mama, and its podcast Parenting With Vibes. But she began as a people-pleaser, pouring into others while ignoring her own truth—until she chose herself, walked away from the expected path, and built a life rooted in healing and authenticity. Read more>>

Fracena Byrd

To start me at the beginning would be to start as a little girl in the church choir, but let’s fast forward. I graduated from Spelman College with a degree in theatre, and immediately started performing in every theatre in the Atlanta area that I could. Read more>>

Tiffany May

In the summer of 2018, I had the idea to sell a couple of crafts. My brother had came to my house for a visit. He was so excited and encouraging. He would call and ask me how things were going and try to give me ideas. Two months later he passed in a car accident. I couldn’t even walk into my work room. Read more>>

Areanna Haynes

If you had told me years ago that I’d be a clinical mental health therapist working with children, teens, adults, and couples — holding sacred space for grief, anxiety, trauma, and healing — I’m not sure I would’ve believed you. My journey didn’t start in a therapy room. It began with music. Read more>>

Jade Varner

I’ve been into yoga for many years. The first time I stepped into a class, I found peace, grounding and a kind of quiet that I couldn’t always find in everyday life. Over time, yoga became more than just ‘moving through poses’, it became an experience, one that made me feel seen and restored. Read more>>

Ashley Askew Bell

The journey started in Conyers, Georgia, where I realized there weren’t any local walk clubs or wellness spaces that truly reflected black and brown women. Most of what existed was centered around Midtown or further areas and I didn’t want to keep driving those long distances with Atlanta traffic. Read more>>

Pedram Charepoo

It has been some time since the last interview with VoyageATL. In the course of the last two years, we solidly established our collective (TOG – The Other Guys) in the Atlanta electronic music scene and also established a record label, TOG Worldwide. The record label was an accidental organization that was born out of necessity. Read more>>

Michael Kaufman

I grew up right here in Atlanta, surrounded by a big network of schools, youth groups, and sports teams. As a native and lifelong resident, my networks today are still filled with people I grew up with. I can hardly walk down the Beltline or go to a restaurant without running into an old school friend or teammate. Read more>>

Loso Demone

HELLO, IT’S MEEE — HELLO!” (in my best Cardi B voice). My name is Loso Demone, born in Asheville, NC, and raised in Riverdale, GA — where I grew from childhood into adulthood. I actually started out dancing and just knew I was gonna be a choreographer after finishing school… but life had other plans for me, lol. Read more>>

Andei Cartwright

I started working in retail, customer service jobs, and other minor opportunities when I was 16. Learning all the positions from the most minor to top manager. I went to online school to get my degree in business management. Business politics caused me to decide to take the risk and start my own companies. I currently run 3 businesses. Read more>>

Louise Williams

I actually got my start as a Notary Public during my years as an elementary school secretary. Part of my duties included notarizing documents for parents and staff, and that’s where I first realized how important and impactful those small but essential services could be. Read more>>

Christina Luttrell

For many years, I worked in the corporate world, serving as CEO of a global technology company. It was a demanding but rewarding career that taught me discipline, leadership, and the importance of perseverance. But after years of chasing deadlines and board meetings, I felt a strong pull toward something simpler, more grounding, and more meaningful. That’s what brought me home to the farm. Read more>>

Erika Smith

3:16 Healthcare was born as a vision of what primary care should really be—a journey to wellness guided by providers with a passion for the whole-body theory of health. Today’s healthcare environment is very numbers driven: cost of care and insurance, testing expenses, lab values, the number of patient encounters per day. Read more>>

Khristian Lee

I was born in New York, but when I was around eight years old, my family moved to Atlanta. I grew up in East Cobb, went to high school there, and like a lot of kids trying to figure themselves out, I didn’t exactly follow the traditional path. I dropped out, and not long after, my parents kicked me out of the house. Read more>>

Christo Heggs

I started a fashion line called Heggs in 2021. My goal was to create a high-end fashion line by focusing on timeless designs and innovation. I started off releasing garments 2022 inspired by a vintage aesthetic. I curated private sip & shops every 30 days through-out year 2022 in ATL. 2023 I did a 2-year anniversary release celebration. Read more>>

Craig Robinson

My professional journey has really been an evolution, guided by a principle I call ‘Curiosity Over Conviction.’ It started on a more traditional path in commercial real estate, where I spent years at firms like CBRE and AIG Investments, and later as a division CEO at Cassidy Turley (now Cushman & Wakefield), Colliers International and Newmark. Read more>>

Bryant Perez

I always had a love for music. It started early – listening to rap music and sneaking it from my mother while playing in an orchestra during middle school (cello and double bass). Around high school I started playing electric guitar and bass and wanting to create a band. Eventually during college I formed and managed a hardcore metal band. Read more>>

Dandley Vizibelli

My name is Dandley Vizibelli. I’m originally from Brazil. I am an environmental engineer and also hold a master’s degree in engineering. However, it was through capoeira that I truly discovered myself — both personally and professionally. I can’t say exactly when I started practicing capoeira; as far as I can remember, it has always been part of my life. Read more>>

Melissa Benedek

My artistic journey began in my father’s Soho gallery, where I was immersed in a world of creativity from a young age. Surrounded by diverse artists and styles, I developed a deep love for color and expression, eventually studying at the Art Students League in New York at age 13. Read more>>

Cecilia Bagwell

I became a massage therapist in 2004 and gravitated immediately to medical rehab. My mom lived with multiple medical conditions, and while I was training, she became my best “case study.” I saw how thoughtful, adapted touch could lower pain, increase range of motion, and brighten her whole day. In 2011, an overuse injury and arthritis made full-time hands-on work unsustainable. Read more>>

Candice Wilson

Growing up in beauty salons owned by our mother, my sister and I were immersed in the world of hair from a young age. The hum of dryers, the scent of hair products, and the joy of transformation became part of our everyday lives. That early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for beauty and hair care. Read more>>

Dr. CeCe Brooks, DNP

My story starts when I was 21-years-old. My husband (then boyfriend) and I were living in Florida and all of a sudden I went from a healthy young adult to struggling deeply with my health. I suffered from memory loss, word retrieval issues, joint pain, brain fog, fatigue, and the inability to process emotions. I visited numerous doctors and specialists without any resolution. Read more>>

Charlotte Merritt

Local to Atlanta, Charlotte has spent her career helping local entrepreneurs drive revenue. Rather than looking at Operations as a standalone, Charlotte looks at the intersection of Operations, People, and Sales to drive revenue. Charlotte is known for cutting through operational chaos and turning overwhelm into clarity and momentum with her years of hands-on experience guiding law firms, creative companies, and high-end manufacturers. Read more>>

Valentina Hills

BADFRIEND Games originally started as a class project in our sophomore year at SCAD with my friends Ayden, Jaeden, and Juan. The assignment was simple, create a concept for a tabletop game, so we prototyped an idea that would eventually become our flagship title, a tabletop strategy game built around customizing giant robots to fight in humanity’s sci-fi future- SUNRIZE : MECHANITE. Read more>>

Peter E Dawson

My mother moved to Los Angeles from New York City to take a job as a nurse. She was interested in film and TV and started looking for opportunities as an actress. She answered an ad in the trade papers regarding an aspirin commercial, and she got the job. Read more>>

Amanda Gaenssley

After spending 23 years as a makeup artist — including 13 years running my own Atlanta-based makeup company — I decided to turn my lifelong passion for photography into a new career. When the pandemic hit in 2020 and I could no longer work closely with clients, I took it as an opportunity to pivot. Read more>>

Stefani Silverman

I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, and studied at Indiana University. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit—though in my early years, I didn’t quite have the courage to take the leap. During a summer internship in Los Angeles, I came close to dropping out of college after being offered a dream job. Read more>>

Tim Rupard

My story is a bit drawn out; I was doing local men’s ministry with my dog, using him as an example/demonstrations of ‘Listening intently to the voice of God.’ We had been doing that for nearly 3 years when he begn to show signs of an injury of some sort. Ultimately, he was diagnosed with bone cancer and given weeks to live. Read more>>

Steve Shockley

I didn’t set out to be a consultant — I set out to solve real problems for business owners, because I had lived through those struggles myself. Early in my career, I spent more than a decade in banking, working with hundreds of small and mid-sized businesses. Read more>>

Kendra Colston

The story of Define Skin Studio began long before I opened my doors. I first stepped into the beauty industry as a makeup artist, where I fell in love with the way enhancing someone’s look could instantly boost their confidence. Read more>>

Melanie Abrams

My husband and I moved to North Georgia 18 years ago for a simpler way of life. We purchased 24 acres with a panoramic view of the North Georgia mountains in Young Harris where we planned to eventually build a home to retire. The first structure built was a simple pole barn. Read more>>

Kate Bolia

My journey into entrepreneurship began when I realized there was a real gap in how people were being cared for. Too often, clients with pain or movement issues were bounced around between providers without getting the kind of integrated support they truly needed. I wanted to change that. Read more>>

Terra Hitchcock

Kali Dance Studio for the Arts was born out of my love for dance and my passion to share it with my community. My journey began when I decided to take a class at a local dance studio and was invited to join an African Dance Troupe. Read more>>

Cristina Knipfer

I was born in Brazil and have always had a deep love for photography and art. However, I truly rediscovered my professional path here in Atlanta eight years ago. As a mother and someone who cherishes life’s beauty, my journey began with a simple desire — to document my daughter’s growth. Read more>>

Andre Walker

With over 16 years of experience in the cheerleading industry and 7 years in the fitness world, Andre Walker brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Performance Athletics. He is a Certified Personal Trainer, MRT Instructor, and Zumba Instructor, as well as a certified competitive cheerleading judge with the US All Star Federation (USASF) and The Open Championship Series certified judge. Read more>>

Yohannes Mekuria

I started my fitness journey back in 2015 in Atlanta. What began as a personal goal to get stronger and live healthier quickly grew into a passion for fitness and helping others achieve their own transformations. Over the years, I immersed myself in training, nutrition, and mindset development, constantly learning and pushing my limits. Read more>>

Precious

I have always loved hair extensions and the enhanced beauty and confidence that it brings to an individual. After a disappointing buying experience, that sparked a business idea. I was then moved to create a brand built on Pure Intentions and one rooted in quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction. Read more>>

Deundria Clark

I started my own brand while playing collegiate basketball in 2017. I started by training my classmates and helping them become more active on the physical side. My brand is called Never Give Up. Read more>>

LaShanti Wilson

I grew up as an athlete playing basketball. I was always off and on when it came to fitness. I would always choose PE or weight lifting class as my electives in school. After I graduated, I would remain active, engaging in more physical activities rather than strength training. I would go with my brother to play ball or run. Read more>>

Johnita Collins

My experiences in that environment significantly impacted my view of the Church. I not only saw the church members in the church, but outside of it—where they drank, smoked, cussed, partied, and did everything else. They were one way in the church and another outside of it. They were on the usher boards, serving as deacons, and holding other positions. As a young believer, seeing this up close and personal helped me come into the understanding and realization that people may have been in the church, but they were not IN Jesus Christ. Read more>>

Shay Reneé

On the personal side, I’ve walked through betrayal, loss, and health struggles. Most recently, I’ve had to step into an even greater level of responsibility as a single mother of two young children under 10, one of whom was recently diagnosed with autism. That reality requires a different set of skills: balancing advocacy, care, and strength every single day. But it has also fueled my passion for creating systems and communities that don’t just talk about equity but truly live it, where families like mine are supported and seen. Read more>>