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.

Brett Weiler

Mayor’s, and I decided it was the time to strike out on my own. Maier & Berkele had a store in Decatur, which they closed, so I recognized a need could be filled and Decatur was an unkown gem in 1994. I rented my first store for five years and was fortunate enough to buy my current location, which was three doors down, in 1999. I do not consider myself much of a salesman, but more of a curator. I know how to design, source and make fine jewelry. I want my customers to have comfortable, enjoyable experience. Read more>>

Heather Wayne

Our dancers also perform in local parades, volunteer at community events, and serve at elementary school programs. One of our most meaningful projects has been producing Sensory Friendly Field Trip Shows for our community dance concert—welcoming special needs classrooms from across the region to experience the joy of live performance in a safe, supportive environment. The last two years have been incredibly successful, and we hope to make this outreach even bigger in the years ahead. Read more>>

La Tonya Klish-Polk

Well, it all started a little like this… lol. During my long-standing career as a professional student, I was this close to applying for the nursing program at my local community college. Then I had a chat with one of my classmates, who was also going into nursing. She said, “Girl, why not apply to a university nursing program instead? Read more>>

Rachel Spangler

Howdy! I’m Rachel (my best buds and family call me Rae). I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember, and thankfully my Mom and Dad always encouraged me to be creative. My mama was musically talented, so she got me involved in band and orchestra at a young age. Read more>>

David Reames

Born in Kennesaw, GA, I’ve spent most of my life within 20 miles of 285. Gwinnett, Fayette, DeKalb, Cobb, with one exception: a short stint over in Clarke County. I’ve held a wide range of jobs, from professional dry cleaner to web developer, restaurant kitchen staff to cashier. All forming my opinion on what I want to do, and who I want to work for. Read more>>

Tameka Starr

In 1998, I decided to embark upon the dream of purchasing my first home for myself and my daughter. I found the perfect home, signed a contract, and paid a $2000 deposit to build my home from the ground up with one of Atlanta’s largest builders. Read more>>

Rick Daniel

Hey, I’m Rick Daniel, the owner and chief creative scientist at Creative Test Lab in Atlanta. I was born and raised just down the road in Athens, GA. My passion for creativity and making things has been with me since I was a kid. My dad was my first example of having the drive to be creative. Read more>>

Suzanne Aaron

Tails of Hope Service Dogs is committed to creating strong and enduring partnerships between service dogs and the people who need them in their lives. This mission is what drives our leaders and volunteers to put forth their efforts in accomplishing this objective. Read more>>

Sikari Henry

Ever since I was a child, drawing was my favorite way to bring stories to life. Anime and manga first sparked my imagination, their vibrant colors and unique style pulling me in. I was captivated by how cool it all looked, so I picked up my pencil and began practicing in that style. By the time I turned sixteen, my passion deepened. Read more>>

Melissa Snead

So I have been a nurse for over 20 years now and I got my nursing degree in Upstate New York in 2005. I moved to North Carolina in 2008 where I practiced as a nurse until I moved to Georgia May 2025. Read more>>

Thomas White

I have been an entrepreneur 25 years. In 2013 I embarked on an adventure in the health care services in industry in Missouri that was very lucrative. I thought I’d finally made it. I found a niche in public service that also rewarded my family and employees very nicely. Read more>>

Wendi Freeman

I’ve been planning events since I was ten years old, literally. I told my mother she wasn’t planning my 10th birthday party “correctly” and took over from there. In high school, I organized my first overnight retreat for over 200 students. From there, I became the go-to for engagement parties, bridal showers, bachelorettes, birthdays, you name it. Read more>>

mwasaa sherard

Art Is My Superpower: The Journey of Mwasaa D. Sherard For nearly three decades, Mwasaa D. Sherard has been shaping the world through art—both as a professional artist and as an educator who believes creativity can heal, empower, and transform lives. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Mwasaa’s love affair with art began early. Read more>>

Debbie Benedit

My late husband and his family immigrated here from Cuba in the early ‘60’s. Eddie Sr and i were married in Dec 1975, as we drove back from our honeymoon in Miami, he looked over and says “ baby, we’re going to open a Cuban sandwich shop when we get back”…. Read more>>

Scott and Brittany Queen

My wife and I currently own 2 nutrition clubs. How it all started was Brittany stopped into a nutrition club on her way to work and fell in love with the product. That was in the summer of 2022. In November of 2022, Brittany signed up as a distributor so that she could order the product herself. Read more>>

Michael Potts

How it all started… My grandfather (Cpl Smedley Potts) was the first black own barbershop located in downtown Columbus, GA. He was a military man and was the only black barber allowed to cut white officers hair on Fort Benning. I never met my grandfather but his DNA is in me and I believe I share similar traits and passion for barbering! Read more>>

Davante Jennings-Townsend

Davante Jennings: The Story of a Builder, a Believer, and a Bridge Davante Jennings was born in Huntsville, Alabama — a place that taught him early about strength, faith, and community. Raised to understand both struggle and purpose, he saw how systems could fail people who looked like him, but also how leadership could change lives. Read more>>

Zachery Talley

I’m a big believer that God has a way of using your biggest hurt to mold you into that issue’s biggest weapon. I’m really just a man from Augusta, GA by way of upstate Carolina- on a journey, I learned at eleven years old that in America, poverty isn’t about money—it’s about knowledge withheld. Read more>>

Nathan Leonard

Originally, in 2009 I had aspirations of developing a landscape company in hopes of creating a successful business for my family. Me and my son operated and managed LB’s Landscaping for 13yrs.. Along the way we’ve gained a wealth of knowledge in this field and valuable relationships that can never be replaced, which we will always cherish. Read more>>

Erich Janzen

I started martial arts when I was 11 years old, I was bullied in school and at sports events I attended, so that’s why I started. About a year in I finally found the courage to stand up for myself. Now that I’m older I can help others because I run my own program as well as an afterschool karate program. Read more>>

Alisha O’Brian

Alisha, known by all as Scout, has been an integral member of the natural health industry for over 35 years. She began her studies at age 17, after watching her mother battle breast cancer, which led to bone cancer, and her eventual death. Read more>>

Bethany Nanan

Born and raised in the small, spirited town of Bainbridge, Georgia, I grew up with rhythm in my feet and big dreams in my heart. Dancing was my first love — it taught me discipline, creativity, and the joy of expression. Little did I know, those same qualities would eventually guide me into the world of events and entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Kris ‘with a Kay’ Rodgers

Back in 2009, I was just a mom with a mission—to create unforgettable celebrations for my two kids, Kaylen and Di’Juan. I loved the joy on their faces when a theme came together, the way every color and balloon told a story. What started as small family parties soon turned into something bigger as friends and family began asking me to plan their own events. Read more>>

Lotinza Clark

My name is Lotinza Clark and i paint as Lotinzart .. Read more>>

CJ Hipp-Barros

In 2020, I had just joined the Director’s Guild of America as a 2nd Assistant Director working in film and TV. Then, the film industry completely shut down during Covid. I found joy working in the garden every day. I thought if I could make gardening at home a career it would make for a more fulfilling lifestyle. Read more>>

Philip C

On a hot summer day in 2023, we (Philip and Heather-a.k.a. Pheather; owners of Applehead Photography and Design) were lamenting about a recent wedding vendor event we photographed in Atlanta. It was meant to be a networking opportunity to build connections between wedding professionals. Read more>>

Mariah Mahari

I begin as a podcaster, the founder, host and executive producer of the memo podcast and through the podcast I begin doing my own graphics for the show, that grew into a thriving graphic business of over 4 years and now I’ve merged into a nail technician Read more>>

Anand Mehta

Stand Up Family Medicine began with a simple idea: bring back the heart of medicine. After years of working in outpatient medicine within large hospital systems and later serving as Medical Director for Walmart Health, I realized something was missing. I loved caring for patients, but the system didn’t always allow me the time or space to truly connect. Read more>>

Bill Walters

I ended up in an artistic/creative career because my life and my energy have always led me down that path. Since I was very young, music and musical instruments have sparked an intense curiosity in me that I still possess. I’ve had several hobbies and interests over the years but music and music gear has always remained my passion. Read more>>

LaToya Washington

After working there several years she decided to close. I then decided to step out on faith and open my own salon. (Hairvigorous beauty & barber salon. I decided to bring in two of my closet coworkers turn sisters that I met while working in the salon. As of December I will officially be open 6 years. After been open 5 years we open the barbershop next door to the salon. I also have my own all natural hair growth. I make wigs by sewing machine and also teach wig making classes. Read more>>

Zimielle Daniel

The birth of my business, Zade’s Beauty Studio, occurred while enrolled in an esthetic skin program during 2022. I was unaware of the role of an esthetician until I began the program. It was at this time that I found my real passion for skin health, beauty, and rejuvenation. I recall sitting in class designing my business card, making social media profiles, and getting my instructor’s help. I was always harassing my classmates to let me practice facials and waxing on them!  Read more>>

Emmanuel Pierre-Louis Jr.

When I thought everything was ready, I had to run the idea to my number one best-friend, my brother: Tyler Almonor. He provided the unfiltered criticism that I needed to improve in areas that were lacking! In the same breath, Tyler encouraged me! He motivated me! He was excited that I was pursuing this. He provided the “I can do this” sentiment. It is what I needed to go forth with the idea. Read more>>

Pam Canada

No it hasn’t been an easy road. In fact, I wanted to quit and give up on this many of times. But because of my drive, love and strong passion for what I enjoy doing, have always kept me pushing Pam’s Closet forward. I’ve had to endure many struggles along the way such as; not having enough finances at times, not having enough support at times, not having enough resources, and a lack of consistency with sales had a huge impact on business revenue. Read more>>

Larry Earl Jackson Jr

Bible verse Revelation 11:18 God will ‘destroy those who destroy the earth’. I refuse to litter at age 18 till this day. I became a recycling coordinator working for the City of Atlanta. I enjoy networking and created my business Georgia Get In Connect. Read more>>

Rontray Miller

I began singing at a very young age in church choirs. Both of my parents were choir directors. I began competing in local talent shows and competitions at 12 and started writing and recording my own music at 15. Read more>>

Hannah Schwartz

It all starts with an idea. Then you fail at least 25 times. Then you find gold. I found gold. I began Start with Hannah as a strategist helping entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. I was in awe of the drive, ambition, and endless risk entrepreneurs were willing to take. Read more>>

Azeez Idowu

I’m Azeez Idowu, but most people know me as Uncle Azeez — the towel dancer, the comic mover, the agbada soldier, the guy who makes you laugh even when I’m dancing like your uncle at a wedding. I was born in Lagos, Nigeria , originally from Ogun State, and now I’m doing my thing between the U.S.  and Nigeria. Read more>>

Avery Kelley

I used to dream of being an actress. However, I wasn’t very good. When I was around 11 years old, I was asked to submit a self-tape for an audition. Although, unlike typical auditions, they wanted me to write my own monologue. The tape was…okay…to say the least. But, I fell in LOVE with writing. That was the beginning of my journey. Read more>>

Andrea Johnston

My husband, Derek, and I met and started dating at the end of 2018. We were inseparable from the start! After a few weeks together, he took me to a little Italian restaurant in Midtown where we shared an amazing charcuterie board. We bonded over the creamy Taleggio, the salty prosciutto, and the chewy bread. Read more>>

Shenée Johnson-Cummings

My mom tells a story of when I was maybe 4 years old, that I brought my house slippers to the TV for the ‘little boy’ in the cartoon who didn’t have any shoes on. Read more>>

Paul Bara

I’m originally from Romania, in Eastern Europe — specifically from Transylvania, the region known around the world as the “Vampire country.” Growing up there, I was always passionate about art, music, and technology, which naturally led me toward a creative career. Read more>>

Rachel Trilokekar

When I was in fifth grade, I had the opportunity to write a personal question-and-answer column for our class newspaper. I even set up a box in the classroom with a slit on top for students to drop in their anonymous questions and struggles. I still remember how honored I felt to be trusted with such a responsible role. Read more>>

Kyle Updegrove

How did I get here today . . . By a series of tragic/horrific events. There was the unexpected and unwanted divorce and the financial ruin that came with it. Struggling to move on and survive financially with the crushing child support payments and the loss of my business. Surprisingly getting remarried and her untimely, accidental death 7 weeks later. Read more>>

Dominique Green

After graduating from the illustrious Clark Atlanta University, I embarked on a successful career in corporate America where I led a team of ambitious young professionals — teaching them how to build and operate their own businesses, market themselves, and pursue their personal and professional goals with confidence. Read more>>

Keyana The Artist

Keyana-The Artist start in Midwest Indiana relocates to Atlanta Georgia. She started in high school then start performing 2010 in college. She Unknown Artist Around the world to inspire others. Her gift went to many places inside the country and outside of the country. She perform many places churches, conference, schools, open mics and more. Read more>>

Michaelle Faison

I’ve always loved everything about clothes and styling. Even as a kid, playing with Barbie’s & Bratz dolls, that’s all I did was style the dolls and change up their looks. Other kids would want the Barbie dream house, me I wanted Barbie’s Retail store so I could pretend I had a fashion boutique. Read more>>

CURTIS BENEFIELD

I began my career as an insurance agent in 1987, going door-to-door selling cancer insurance policies. I covered seven counties, focusing on new business sales every day. After four years, I was promoted to district manager, overseeing two to five agents daily. Read more>>

David E. Peterson

It all began in a small town in Michigan called Jackson. I was the local art star, played travel hockey, varsity tennis and golf. I had to make a decision to play junior hockey in Minnesota or go to art school on a scholarship, I went to art school at the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit MI, and graduated in 2001. Read more>>

Joann Fleckenstein

My story started the way many leap-of-faith stories do: with a quiet nudge that turned into a persistent voice I couldn’t ignore. It wasn’t one big moment or a dramatic turning point, it was a series of experiences that opened doors and lit a fire in me to build something that didn’t yet exist in my world, but desperately needed to. Read more>>

Leisa Long

I knew as a little girl that always wanted to be a business owner, 8 years old to be exact. When my cousin or friends came over to the house I always wanted to style their hair like their mom. So I would take down their ponytails and restyle it. Read more>>

Dani Marine

I’m a Marietta native, so Metro Atlanta has always felt like home to me. I actually grew up around construction, my dad’s a third-generation master plumber, and my brother is in the process of earning his journeyman license. I’ve always been fascinated by how homes work behind the walls, not just how they look pretty on the outside, but how they function mechanically. Read more>>

Lindsay Davenport

My dance journey began long before it ever became a career. It started with passion and purpose. I found a deep love for the art. For me, dance has always been a way for me to express strength, faith, and resilience. Read more>>

Alexis Mathis

Getting started in spiritual therapy is not all it’s cracked up to be! Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful and fulfilling, but it’s not just sage, chakras, and Instagram quotes. It takes real work. Read more>>

BRENDON A. ‘MARLEY’ WATERS

From the early years of my life, I grew up in a home where rhythm was as natural as breathing. My father was a musician, a man whose sound carried warmth and wisdom, and my mother had an artist’s eye that could capture an entire story in a single photograph. Between them, I inherited both the ear and the vision. Read more>>

Tyler Trice

From a young age, I’ve been drawn to artistic expression in all its forms. I began by sketching characters from Disney, Looney Tunes, and Dragon Ball Z, which sparked my early interest in visual storytelling. As I grew, I expanded into music, experimenting with beat-making and songwriting. By eighth grade, I had produced my first beat and written lyrics to accompany it. Read more>>

Lillie Young

I started my journey at such a young age. It lead me to writing my autobiography The Purple Cinderella. The ball rolls on, I have now written 4 books. I am in the acting field as well. I have acted in television series and movies. From motivational speaker to receiving Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden. Read more>>

Nikaya Garris

My story really begins the day I met my first horse. I cantered in my very first lesson, and just three months later, I entered my first show and won Reserve Champion. From there, I competed through high school, placing in every single class I entered. Read more>>

Patrick Carver

I started Constellation for one reason: to help my dad. He’s a criminal defense attorney who was spending a ton of money on a marketing company that gave him zero clarity, locked him into a long-term contract, and somehow kept convincing him to spend more — even though he wasn’t getting any new cases. That lit a fire in me. Read more>>

Jassotha Balasubramaniam

My musical journey began as a young child in Sri Lanka, where the sound of the violin became a source of comfort and joy. When the civil war forced my family to flee, we left behind everything familiar, including my violin, and eventually resettled in Canada in 1996. A family friend, seeing my love for music, kindly lent me their violin. Read more>>

Samantha Allen

In the 1980’s, my parents bought an early version of an inflatable moonwalk. They started renting it to birthday parties and taking it to arts and crafts festivals. Through the 1990’s, they grew…especially as companies were starting to have company picnics and employee appreciation events. They also bought their first trailer mounted carnival ride. Read more>>

Danielle + Travis Pinnock

We’re Danielle Pinnock(Skeen) and Travis Pinnock — partners in life, purpose, and entrepreneurship. Our story is one of love, legacy, and a shared commitment to creating impact that reaches far beyond ourselves. Read more>>

Alicia Thompson

After thirty years in public relations and corporate communications, I realized a common theme. People often came to me for advice and counsel, including the executives at the companies she supported. A light bulb went off, and I started the path to become a full-time leadership coach and entrepreneur. I launched my company, Signature Leadership LLC six years ago after a layoff. Read more>>

Karen Walters

I fell in the Human Resources field during college and benefited from wonderful mentors throughout my career. My HR experience has run a wide spectrum from the nuts and bolts of HR compliance to the fun and inspiring work of Culture Building! Read more>>

Reginal Mebane

My journey has been one of perseverance, faith, and transformation. I grew up facing many of the challenges that test a young man’s resolve—poverty, uncertainty, and the realities of an unforgiving world. But from an early age, I believed that my circumstances did not define my destiny. I began my professional career at FedEx, working the night shift on the loading docks. Read more>>

Eddie Neam

I started out in music as a radio and club DJ, coming up through Southwest Florida and eventually breaking major records on iHeartRadio and in clubs across the country as DJ Flip. Read more>>

Tracy Youngblood-McDaniel

I got into this work because I know what it feels like to be let down by a system that’s supposed to take care of us. Our healthcare system is broken—men and women alike are often rushed through appointments, handed a prescription, and sent on their way without anyone truly listening. I couldn’t accept that. Read more>>

NeJcion Davis

Being a public figure can be challenging but what’s life without a few bumps and bruises to help build character? So to answer your question it has not been easy but it has been rewarding for me, coming from Philly and where I come from the odds were always against me and I wasn’t necessarily set up for success from being adopted from being abused from not seeing the best examples I was destined for something great because it was no other option for me so I fought hard to make something of myself. Read more>>

Wil Cooks

Nearly 40 years ago, I began my professional career in Atlanta as a high school English Teacher and Coach. Later in the profession, I transitioned into Counseling and other administrative roles. In 2011 my family and I had the privilege of living in London, England. Read more>>

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>>