Highlighting Local Gems

Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.

Michelle Scotland

I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. Caring for people has always been in my DNA—it’s not something I was told to do; it’s who I am. I helped even as a child care for my grandmother. Nursing gave me the foundation, but purpose gave me direction. I wasn’t created to play it safe or follow a script. Read more>>

Orinthia Carter

Am I Doing What I Was Born to Do—or What I Was Told to Do? I believe I am doing what I was born to do. Out of more than 40 cousins, only two of us carried on the trade, the vision the gift. Myself and my younger cousin, Sanjay. That in itself feels divine, as if this calling was placed on me with intention. Read more>>

Mark Williams

The public version of me is definitely the real me, at least it’s part of the real me. My business and my social life definitely require me to have a public facing side, and that side of me is very outgoing and loves to have a good time. But, like many people that have public facing lives, we need downtime to recharge… Read more>>

Cheray Griffin

Oh, absolutely! What you see is what you get! In a world where you can filter, caption, and “curate” your personality, I honestly don’t know how to be anyone other than me. The version of me you see in public is the same one dancing around the house in socks, talking to myself, and laughing at my own jokes. Read more>>

Janet M. Stovall

I’ve always been an introvert who found herself on stage, so a healthy fear of the spotlight isn’t new. For years, I operated from the relative safety of the corporate world, advocating for change from within. I could nudge and push, but my voice was always filtered, tempered by the organizations I served. What I’m called to do now is speak without that filter. Read more>>

Simone Reid

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with small business owners in the community. In a world that can feel so commercialized, it means a lot to connect with real people and highlight authentic local products. Finding those true gems that make the city special is what I love most. Read more>>

Yoshi Chipwood

I’m most proud of building my relationship with God. Owning and managing a business isn’t for the weak. I remember when I took the risk of starting my journey as an entrepreneur things started off rough of course, I remember praying to God and as I did that life was getting better. Read more>>

Caitlin Annette Cruz

As a child, I was incredibly energetic, outspoken, and full of ideas — what many would call “too much.” I heard that phrase often growing up, and for a long time, I took it to heart. I tried to tone myself down, to fit into a version of me that felt more “acceptable.” That was one of the biggest mistakes I ever made. Read more>>

Sherry Devouse-Dennard

I grew up in a small town in Alabama, where I believed the world was much bigger than anything I could ever access. I thought big, but deep down, I didn’t believe I could do big. Confidence didn’t come naturally to me then- I was still figuring out who I was and what I was capable of becoming. Read more>>

Parisa Hervani

For me, no fear is greater than “I can’t.” Once you believe that, you’re right. But the same works in reverse — if you believe you can, you’re also right. I tell everyone who has a dream: you have to be a little delusional to make it happen. Read more>>

Teia Lettsome

I have many, the most defining was being abused by my biological father from 12-17. However that forged me into becoming a deeper artist and using that experience to channel inner parts of me that comes out on canvas. I am still learning to heal them but that’s apart of the process. Read more>>

Uriia Land

I’d say it’s been the simple act of intentionally slowing down. Like most professionals, I found myself stuck in a cycle of rushing—always moving to the next deliverable without truly appreciating the moments in between. Recently, I’ve prioritized pausing and being present, particularly around the activities that used to bring me joy, like reading or spending time in nature. Read more>>

Kay Durr

Lately, it’s been the little things taking my 3 and 4 year old to the park, watching them laugh and run around wild while I enjoy a few quiet moments to myself. It reminds me how important it is to slow down and soak in those simple, peaceful moments. Read more>>

Michael Sullivan

I want the story to be that nothing ever stopped me. That I lived audaciously, loved deeply, and created fearlessly. That my light was so radiant it kept glowing long after I was gone. Through every collaboration, every lyric, every face I transformed, and every soul I helped remember its own power. Read more>>

Melissa Black M.D.

I lose track of time when I am engrossed in an interesting story. When I work with elders, I get to hear their stories and lived experiences. Through story, the aging person in front of me seems young again. Read more>>

Akeia Keith

I am deeply committed to creating safe and transformative spaces where young people and families can heal, grow, and thrive. One of my greatest passions is my signature conference, “Choices™”, which is rooted in Conflict Resolution, Emotional Literacy, and strengthening parent–child relationships. Read more>>

Nadia Ghneim

When I was around 10 or 12 years old, I was with my mom watching a TV commercial that featured a group of neurodivergent children (children with unique learning differences). Seeing them moved me deeply in that moment, and I knew immediately that I wanted to dedicate my life to helping children like them. Read more>>

Anna Dauphin

Hands down, the days after any performance or recital. The amount of pride I get from seeing so many kids accomplish their goals and shine on stage gives me a great sense of peace. The creation of a show is months long, and I put my heart into it every step of the way. Seeing everything come together is the best feeling in the world! Read more>>

Thomas Gio

I’d say the people who saw me clearly before I could see myself were definitely the ones closest to me. My closest friends have always been there, constantly reminding me of what I’m capable of, even in the moments when I doubted myself. They’ve always seen my potential long before I fully realized it, and that support really pushed me to grow and aim higher. Read more>>

Angela Ray

Definitely my mom. I started speaking at a young age and I was competing in oratorical contests in elementary school. My sixth-grade year, I won a competition at my school and that advanced me to the district competition. At the district contest, I remember there was a student from another school who I thought was simply amazing. Read more>>

Berry Pendleton

The world Never told me who I had to be, I’ve always been pure light — unshaped, guarded, but still full of dreams that didn’t need permission. I was that kid who believed love could fix anything and that goodness always won. Read more>>

Nailah Freeman

I tap dance into my salon with pure joy because it truly is my happy place. Each time I arrive, I take a moment to pause, exhale, and release any lingering stress or negative thoughts. Read more>>

Todd Johnson

The biggest milestones for us are always tied to the people we work with. Some of our most exciting moments have been opening days for our partner cafés, when we get to support their coffee programs and sometimes even jump behind the bar. There’s an incredible energy in seeing their vision come to life and knowing we play a part in it. Read more>>

Randy A. Waczkowski

Absolutely. I’ve learned that when you’re walking in purpose, external validation becomes secondary to internal fulfillment. There have been many seasons in my journey where no one was clapping, no one was watching, and no one was offering words of encouragement or even believed in the vision—but the work still mattered. The mission still mattered. Read more>>

Chef Wic

I’ve learned that I can still give my best even when no one praises me for it. At the end of the day, I take pride in doing things the right way and maintaining good character. Read more>>

Sakina Garba

There have been many moments in my life when I felt the urge to move quickly, but looking back, I’m grateful I eventually paused. Over the past decade, I poured myself into building a skincare business, only to face unexpected challenges financial struggles, personal setbacks, and the kind of life events that can make you question everything. Read more>>

Lorraine Marshall

If I were to lay down my name, my role, and all my possessions, what would remain is a spirit that has been forged by fire and refined by grace. I am more than my name, my title, or the things I own; those are merely temporary labels and tools. Read more>>

Keon Hollis

That hungry and driven kid from Lithonia, who loved music and his friends and family, whose values remained the same, worked hard, and didn’t mind doing whatever it took to achieve his goals. That love and appreciation for the city of Atlanta molded him into the person who could and would help shift the culture. Read more>>

Stephanie Lloyd

Perfection. Do you ever convince yourself that in order to be acceptable, you have to be perfect. Occasionally, I will find myself caught in this rigid thought loop. That flawlessness in appearance, in work, in day-to-day life, is a requirement. Of course, perfection is not a realistic goal for any of us. And so, when I inevitably fall short, I throw in the towel. Read more>>

Billy Hawkains

I believe what breaks the bonds between people is fear—fear of difference, fear of vulnerability, fear of confronting pain we don’t yet know how to hold. Fear convinces us to build walls instead of bridges, to protect rather than connect. But what restores those bonds—what heals the distance—is love. Read more>>

Mandy Blackmon

We don’t ONLY treat dancers. Although dancers are we founded ourselves on 5 years ago, we treat ALL performing arts, movers, supporters of the arts and humans! Read more>>

Angela Wingard

Honestly, I think a lot of people are quietly panicking about how much harder it is to sell right now, but they’re too scared to admit it. The online space has glamorized constant growth and “six-figure launches,” so when things slow down, people assume they’re the problem. But in reality, it’s not just them, the economy’s shifting, trust is low, and consumers spend differently. Read more>>

Ebony Austin

People might misunderstand my legacy as being solely about accomplishments or success, when in reality, it’s about the lessons learned, the struggles overcome, and the moments of growth. Some may think it’s about material things or public recognition, but what truly matters is the impact I made on others—kindness, compassion, and integrity. Read more>>

Dreday 3.0

A normal day for me is nonstop motion and creativity. I usually start early, checking in with my team on current projects — from upcoming fashion events and artist rollouts to brand campaigns for BDM Entertainment. I spend my mornings reviewing designs, approving marketing materials, and coordinating with my staff to make sure every department is aligned. Read more>>

Michelle Pickney

Gone are the days of 8 a.m. meetings and the corporate grind. These days, my schedule is entirely my own—but that doesn’t mean it’s any less demanding. I’ve traded in my full-time job in corporate America to become a full-time entrepreneur, running not one but two businesses. The freedom is incredible, but so is the responsibility. Read more>>

Essence Pugh

Morning: Family & Me Time I usually wake up early to start the day with some quiet time—coffee, prayer, or just a few moments to myself. Daris normally takes the kids to school, which gives me a little extra space in the morning to focus. We touch base about the day’s plans and make sure we’re on the same page. Read more>>

Tracey Romain

Ohhh yes—this right here is soul-deep truth! The relationship that most shaped how I see myself? Hands down, my relationship with God. For so long, like so many women (even the ones who seem super confident), I wrestled with insecurities. I’d shrink myself, second-guess my worth, and settle for less than I deserved. But when I started building a real, intimate relationship with God—everything shifted. Read more>>

Brandon Mashack

My relationship with the Most High shaped how I see myself. I’m a elohim(god) under Elohim(God) & I live my life knowing I have that power & purpose within myself. It’s helped to understand that the greatest king is the humblest servant. Read more>>

Alexis Lunsford

My mentor. With teachings that encouraged me to be authentic, I was able to combat the thief of my artistic joy, comparison. Read more>>

TK Parker

The Goal isn’t to win. It’s to keep winning. Sacrifice the illogical and unnecessary and maintain winning traits. Maintaining is so much more important than making it. If you already have the proper maintenance in place, it scales up as you scale up. Yet, it will crumble under its own weight without it. Find a way to win, then keep winning. Read more>>

Dana Sokolowski

I was a really brave and bold kid – without a real understanding of earthly consequences. Falling enough times taught me that I can get hurt. But, in the beginning, I had a ruthless trust that I’d be caught if I jumped. I flung myself out of my crib before I could walk. I jumped in the lake before I knew how to swim. Read more>>

Brionna Warner

I will regret not fully giving myself to the things and people I care about, not risking my heart when it mattered most. I will regret holding back love out of fear, not speaking my truth, or shrinking parts of myself to make others comfortable. Read more>>

Dejia Felicity Swindell- Smith

For a long time, I believed that strength meant doing everything on my own. I thought that in order to prove myself as a young woman in business, as a mother, as a leader I had to carry it all, perfectly and quietly. I wore independence like armor, thinking it made me strong, when in reality it was keeping me isolated and exhausted. Read more>>

Jeff Bagwell

I cannot control or prevent failure. It is a necessary part of the life experience that is essential to help us learn and grow. I have learned life lessons I would have never learned without failing. Failure is not final; it is part of the journey. The only actual failure is not learning the lesson that failure is trying to teach. Read more>>

Nicole Silva

About six months ago, we experienced a devastating house fire that destroyed nearly everything we owned. What wasn’t burned was so badly damaged by smoke and water that it was a total loss. As small business owners, we didn’t know what this would mean for our bakery. Read more>>

Emmy Marshall

Chasing my dreams has been both beautiful and challenging — a rhythm of highs and lows that continues to shape me, strengthen me, and remind me why I started. Read more>>