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.

Lori Oliver

My journey to founding The Inactive Company has been anything but linear, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Read more>>

Dorian Ducksworth

From the time I was 13, my ambition was born out of necessity. I started hustling just to keep my phone on and buy the clothes I wanted because, coming from a family of four children, I never wanted to be a burden on my parents. Read more>>

Candace Meadows

My journey began with a deep commitment to health equity and a vision to create spaces where Black women could thrive unapologetically. With roots in nonprofit leadership and public health, my career has been dedicated to addressing health disparities, particularly those that disproportionately impact Black women and girls. Read more>>

Rickey Mccullough

My name is Rickey Mccullough, formally known as “Slick DAWACO.” ( Digital Audio Workstation And Console Operator ) My journey started long before any formal training. I was an artist and writer before I ever stepped into a college classroom, but I wanted to take my creativity further. Read more>>

Erica (SHABACH) Charleston

I started singing at the age 6. I also went to a performing arts school from 6th to 12th grade. I moved to GA during 2020 and I knew I wanted to have my own label and do acting. However when I began my journey with christ I was a sinner. I wanted to do music for all the wrong reasons. Read more>>

Becca Rodriguez

I am a ceramic sculptor, biomaterial artist, illustrator, and experimental musician who grew up living between Florida and Georgia. My practice is informed by these southeastern ocean, wetland, and forest ecosystems and feelings of leaving and returning to them across time and season. I work primarily in craft and process-oriented art that make lifecycles and experienced environments visible. Read more>>

Koraun Campblin

I’m Elodie, KC’s mom and the founder of KCAMP Clothing. KCAMP Clothing started from a very personal place. Before KC’s dad passed away, he dreamed of creating a clothing line for his son. He didn’t get the chance to make it happen, so I decided to bring that vision to life with KC by my side — not just for him, but with him. Read more>>

Allen Stewart

It all started out of necessity. After having my first child, I needed to find a way to bring in more income. In 1995, I went to a wedding and noticed the couple had rented a photobooth from the zoo. That moment sparked an idea — why not start a photobooth rental business myself? Read more>>

Kareem

Music always been in my life I’ve loved hip hop since I was born i grew up listening to 80s/90s hip hop and r&b and even music back in the soul train days lol my mom played a lot of music reggae especially , I started out as a kid rapper like most do I went by the name Young-N. Read more>>

Candy Nyirenda

For me, content creating has never been something that i like grew up knowing i would do or anything like that. Read more>>

Ceilidh Cayenne

I have always enjoyed storytelling from a young age, and decided to start a YouTube channel centered around my life’s stories as well as exploring the world around me. My name means a night time of storytelling, drinking, and dancing, and I think in my adventures I live up to that. Read more>>

Tanya Momi

I started painting as a young girl in India, inspired by the stories and strength around me. After earning my BA in Fine Arts and moving to the Bay Area, my artistic voice expanded — from cubism to realism to powerful social themes, especially the human impact of Partition. Read more>>

Brianna Holliman

My journey into the beauty industry wasn’t something I originally planned. What started as a small side hustle to earn extra money while I was in college slowly transformed into my passion and my purpose. At the time, I was struggling with depression, and getting my lashes done became one of the few things that made me feel good. Read more>>

Jeff “Yung HD” Childress

I started out with a real passion for music first just experimenting, recording friends, and teaching myself the basics of mixing and production. Over time, I invested in my craft, upgraded my equipment, and worked with more artists. That process opened a lot of doors for me as an audio engineer and producer. Read more>>

Christopher McLaren Jr

I come from humble beginnings as a Jamaican descendant and a proud military child, born in South Carolina, raised in North Carolina, and rooted in Queens, New York for more than two decades. Growing up, I learned early what resilience, discipline, and adaptability truly meant. Read more>>

Jamie Hood

My journey into marketing and advertising started with a seed planted early – watching Bewitched as a kid and being intrigued by Darren Stephens’ work in advertising. I can’t point to a specific moment, but something about that world drew me in. By 8th grade drama class, I knew this was my path. I had an assignment to promote a movie or play, and I created this concept featuring Tattoo from Fantasy Island as Elvis. The creative process hooked me completely. Read more>>

Beauregard Higgins

I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had a deep passion for expressing myself through words and imagery even at a very young age. I’ve done a lot of things and used a lot of mediums from fine art metal sculpture, to photography, and probably most recognized as a songwriter. Read more>>

Elizabeth Stein

I couldn’t help myself. From a young age I was fascinated by health, healing and culture. I read magazines and books around my caretakers homes, mostly my grandmother and godmother. Anything I could get my hands on. I was drawn to healers and healing and found myself in the field. Read more>>

Mahogany McGill

I grew up around sewing machines—literally. My grandmother and uncle were both seamstresses, so creativity was kind of the family language. I begged my grandma to teach me how to sew when I was eight, made my first pillowcase, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Read more>>

Tae La’ni Glover

I am Tae’Lani Glover, owner and content creator of Cravin’ Tae LLC. My journey began in 2016 in an industry I never planned to enter — the feet modeling niche. I was introduced to it unexpectedly and without any guidance or knowledge, which forced me to learn, adapt, and build from the ground up on my own terms. Read more>>

Morgan Rogers

I’m Morgan Rogers— an Atlanta native with a reach that now extends beyond the city I call home. My path began in communications after earning my journalism degree from Georgia State University. Within just two years of graduating, I developed strong relationships with clients, brands, and businesses, all which laid the foundation for everything that came next. In 2019, I launched my lash company, BLINKMorgglam. Read more>>

Desiree Walker

I’m responsible for social media management at Downtown Hott Radio, but my journey started way before that. I’ve always had a natural eye for content what connects, what engages, and how to keep a brand looking consistent. That pulled me into helping creatives and businesses organize their online presence. Read more>>

esau gonzalez

I then joined atlanta toyota were im a finance director for the past 10 years I been working here and our store is also the #1 toyota dealership in south east all this succes is based on hard work and perseverance i have broken every record here and I want more! I have a beautiful family that I love the most 5 children and my beautifully wife thats there to support trough out all strugles. Read more>>

James Hamelburg

My story starts back in Boston. I had been in the restaurant business my whole life, but after one too many winters shoveling snow off the sidewalk of my place, literally shovel in hand, the winter before I left, I finally said, “Alright, that’s it, I’m done.” So I headed to Atlanta about eleven years ago. Read more>>

BETTY GREEN

Well I honestly I always start from the very beginning which truly starts with my folks. I was born the youngest and only daughter to Tongan immigrant parents. I was raised in the Catholic Church & been deeply rooted in the Tongan culture. I began to dance at 5 years old at the Kirkpatrick’s School of Dance located in San Mateo. Read more>>

tracy Dillon

Just a few details with more details to follow. Tracy E. Dillon DDS, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, married to Cheryl Pegues Dillon and we have three children. My story starts back in a small town in MS. Magnolia, MS. where I was born. I am the youngest of fourteen children where there was 7 boys and 7 girls. Read more>>

Rachel Eisaman

In 2009, I was let go from a sales job in architectural products — one of those moments that feels terrifying and liberating all at once. I’d been quietly dreaming about stepping out on my own as a designer, but I didn’t think I was ready. Suddenly, the timing was decided for me. Read more>>

Kopal Sahu

My story begins in India, as the youngest in my family — and the first creative anyone had ever seen in our home. Even as a child, I was endlessly fascinated by visuals, design, and animation. Read more>>

Anh Vo

Anh Vo, the artist behind the lens, brings a distinct perspective shaped by both his cultural heritage and his personal journey. Born in Vietnam and raised in America, Anh discovered filmmaking at a young age as a way to preserve and honor the moments his family held sacred — celebrations, reunions, milestones, and the stories that brought them together. Read more>>

Harvey (HD) Davis

Hello. My name is HD and I’m a vocalist/music producer from Saginaw Michigan. My mother attended Grambling State University, and HBCU,on a full ride music scholarship. She plays flute. Growing up, my mother always had really good gospel or inspirational music playing in our home while she would walk around playing her flute. I would dance and sing along. Read more>>

Abibat Oketade

As a multifaceted, multidisciplinary Muslim Nigerian-American artist raised in a traditional household, my story unfolds at the crossroads of two realities: one set at home, molded by stringent ideals, and another shaped by progressive values in the wider world. Read more>>

Debbie Brilling

In 1989, I gave birth to my daughter, and at that time Georgia did not yet offer newborn hearing screenings. By the time she was 18 months old, she still wasn’t talking or using any words, and my concern grew. I had her evaluated, and that’s when I learned she had been born profoundly deaf. Read more>>

Whitney Freyre

By trusting my gut. As long as I can remember I have listened to my gut over my head. And as I got older I continued that in my profession, my relationships and so forth. It began unfolding around 2014 when I started traveling to Hiawassee to visit my aunt who began working on me, energetically through Reiki and other healing modalities. Read more>>

Capria ‘Chyna’ Smith

Born and raised from Baltimore, Maryland. Started out as a shadow and consultant with Mary Kay. As a little girl always watched my mother and grandmother in the mirror taking their time with getting ready for just a regular market day or special occasions. I started doing my god sisters makeup and we loved getting ready just to take pictures and go different places. Read more>>

rabsaris arreaza

I’m Rabsaris, and I became a doula almost a decade ago, long before I knew this work would become the center of my life. What first drew me in wasn’t a dramatic story — it was the quiet, powerful feeling I had the first time I supported someone through birth. I remember thinking, “Oh. Read more>>

Samone Sutton

I started teaching dance and fitness classes around 2018. I wanted to bring the crunk and fun environment to Kennesaw area. I felt like Atlanta had every thing fun regarding dance classes and fitness. So, I decided to bring that love and energy to the Kennesaw, Marietta area. Read more>>

June Griffin

Music has always been apart of me since I was old enough to recognize. My dad is a singer as well, and we’d sing together all of the time at church which helped me build my confidence in performing in front of people, which helped me go on to perform at several different events at as young as 8 years old. Read more>>

Weston Weil

PreRack IT, LLC began its journey in 2022 with a clear mission to provide expert data center hardware (Storage, Servers, Networking) and third-party maintenance solutions. Founded with a passion for solving complex IT infrastructure challenges, the company has grown steadily by focusing on customer-centric service and deep technical expertise. Read more>>

Tawisha Nikki Buckingham

I was born and raised in Upstate, New York (Syracuse). After high school, I decided to attend college 3 hours away at the University of Buffalo. I found out that I was pregnant the summer after my Junior year of college at the University of Buffalo/Brockport University(temporary transfer). Read more>>

Kenny Nguyen

My first time cooking was of course with my grandmother who lived with me, making ramen late night watching action films. after high school I dropped out of college and enrolled into culinary school at the Art Institute of Atlanta that doesn’t exist anymore. I got my first real kitchen job as a fry cook and bus boy at my local Ruby Tuesday. Read more>>

Allen B.

Native to South Carolina, Allen B. is a singer-songwriter whose music resonates with soulfulness, honesty, and heartfelt transparency. Every note he delivers carries intention, creating an intimate bond between his art and his audience. With lyrics that feel like conversations with a close friend and a natural gift for crafting memorable hooks, Allen blends industry savvy with genuine relatability. Read more>>

WassaBee Mabuza

I started learning how to dj hiphop late 2023, I began independently on virtual dj and then later I took on a dj course which I managed to finish within 2 months. My first gig was in December of 2023. Read more>>

Jimmie Henderson

I am Jimmie Conle Henderson and I am a community-rooted organizer, peace advocate and emerging legal scholar shaped by the layered histories of Savannah, Georgia. Raised in a region marked by both the scars and the strength of Black Southern resilience, my worldview was formed at the intersection of faith, family, and struggle. Read more>>

Tonya Keith

My journey into this work began the moment I went looking for a place to heal and grow. I spent months searching for a space that could meet my needs. I was fortunate to find a therapist who was nothing short of remarkable—but even with her support, I realized there were aspects of healing that lived outside her scope. Read more>>

Chontira (Feliz) Martin

I’ve always loved taking photos, but I never imagined photography would grow into such a meaningful part of my life. After having my son, something shifted—I wanted to capture every little moment, and that simple wish sparked a deeper passion within me. Around that time, my close friend Teak from Grace Lens Photography moved to Colorado. Read more>>

Corina Genson

Sure, my name is Corina, I am a mom of two kids under ten, a wife to an amazing guy, and a scientist turned yoga teacher. I graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and I hold several certificates in nutrition, health, and lifestyle wellness from Harvard Medical School. I’m an avid athlete that loves food and social gatherings. Read more>>

Quawn James

The story of Gentle Giant Care began after nearly being taken off this planet due to the lacks of severe Covid. Prior to that I always knew as a child that I wanted to work in medicine to help people. It’s always been in me to find a way to make someone better whether it be medically, mentally, or emotionally. Read more>>

Han Myers

Hey everyone, I’m Han! I grew up in a small, agricultural community in Eastern Washington, near the Idaho border. As a child, I was fascinated with Olympic figure skating. There weren’t any ice skating rinks or classes nearby, so my mother decided to enroll me in dance at age 6, and I was immediately hooked. Read more>>

Nichole Stovall

I’ve loved photography forever. I remember checking out the digital camera from my high school video production teacher to take photos. A few years later for Christmas my now husband gifted me a Kodak digital camera and in one of the boxes- an engagement ring was hiding. I never pursued photography professionally until roughly 2017. Read more>>

Kelsie Murdock

As long as I can remember, I’ve always loved to celebrate. Whether it was for a birthday, Christmas, a promotion at work, or even finding the last pair of shoes on the shelf in your size. Every moment deserves to be celebrated – the good, the bad, and even the ugly. When I went to college, I originally wanted to be an event planner. Read more>>

Donnitia Decembly

I became a mother at 16 years old in the 10th grade. By the time I graduated high school I was pregnant with my third child and married. By the 21, I was on my fourth child who died shortly after he was born. Read more>>

Patrick Ratanapunna

I grew up around restaurants all my life, My grandparents had a restaurant, I have had aunts had restaurants, my cousins have a few restaurants, and my mother has a restaurant. Thai food has been pretty prominent in my upbringing. Watching food get made was like alchemy to me! My arrival into working in a kitchen actually wasn’t immediate. Read more>>

Juliebeth Delgado

I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, imagination, and for me, art has been the place where those two things collide. Growing up, I was obsessed with cartoons, video games, and all things geeky pop culture, which shaped the artist I am today. Read more>>

Taylor Surman

I graduated from Georgia College in 2016 with a degree in Mass Communication. I then started my career at a local newspaper in my college town. My passion was journalism and telling people’s stories. Then came 2020. COVID, the 2020 election and some other personal trials all hit at once and I knew that I needed a change. Read more>>

Shalisa Payne

My journey really began when I helped my sister plan my niece’s Sweet 16. I handled the balloon décor and desserts, and what started as a favor for family slowly began to grow into something bigger. I started getting booked for small events here and there, and each time I realized how much I enjoyed creating unforgettable moments for people. Read more>>

Megan Cadogan

Four years ago, I was given the opportunity to work in a private daycare, and that experience revealed my true calling. I discovered how much I love working with children and supporting families by giving them peace of mind. Inspired by that passion, I decided to create my own program and found a wonderful location in Suwanee, GA. Read more>>

Fele Yeldell

My journey in esthetics started with wanting to feel confident in my own skin, and then grew to a love for helping people feel confident in their skin. What began as curiosity quickly turned into passion, and that passion led me to pursue esthetics training and build a career in the beauty and wellness industry. Read more>>

Ashaunti Samms

SO SORRY if this is too long, I just started typing. Thank you for taking the time to read, and hope you enjoy my story. I grew up in WestSide ATL. Bankhead, Hamilton E Holmes, and Cascade were what I had to drive through when going home from school. Collier Heights is where my grandparents live, and that was where I was raised. Read more>>

Jasmine Janaye

My story has been anything but linear and in many ways, I’m still trying to figure out how I got here. It’s been an adventure for sure. So let’s see, where to start? I was always into music growing up. I took piano lessons from an early age and played clarinet in the school band, but singing really came later. Read more>>

Ashley McFarlin

I’m an Atlanta native, born and raised in East Point, Ga. I lived in the NY/NJ area for nearly 20 years before I moved back home to East Point during Covid, when my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Read more>>

Jeremy Muller

I grew up in North Carolina and went to college for percussion performance. I finished my doctorate in music at Arizona State University and lived in Phoenix, AZ for about 10 years. Throughout my college and professional career I had been performing a lot as a soloist or with contemporary music ensembles, mostly of experimental works from composers of the 20th century. Read more>>

Joy Kelleher

My journey has unfolded over more than 30 years as a social worker, therapist, consultant, and nonprofit leader. I began my career providing direct services to individuals and families and eventually expanded into system-level change, program development, and international advocacy. Read more>>

Lara George

The music of that group (which comprised of three young females and one male) of which I had the absolute joy of being a part, was authentic, unashamedly African and yet international in a truly relatable and global sense. It was happy, it was deep and reached into the depths of any and every person who heard it, evoking a sense of possibilities. As that music began to develop roots and gained the wildfire national and international acceptance that it did, I realised that nothing was impossible. Read more>>

LexWitSpecs

In the summer of 2020, right after I graduated from undergrad with a degree in Computer Science, Covid had everyone stuck inside and spending more time online — including me. That’s when I started watching gaming YouTubers. I loved how much fun they were having and how they built communities around their content. Read more>>

Tracy Crews

I am originally from Philadelphia, I now call Atlanta home. As a divorced mother and proud grandmother of three, family plays a vital role in my life. After dedicating 22 years to education, I retired with degrees in Fashion Merchandising, Education, Criminal Justice, and Digital Filmmaking. Read more>>

Ryan Kellogg

While these days I flex across many focus areas, I have sat pretty squarely throughout my career on the creative strategy & design side of things. Early on I discovered that I loved creating stories for people to step inside of through the combination of digital art, technology, and the built environment. Read more>>

Renita Walls

I moved to Atlanta in 2002 from Baltimore, MD when I was 22 years old. I moved to get a fresh start and to figure out who I wanted to be in the world. I started writing spoken word poetry prior to moving but had never performed in Baltimore for fear of being vulnerable. Read more>>

Summer Young

I wouldn’t be the photographer I am today without the support of my husband, my incredible children, and one of my closest friends, Kelly Norton who is also a wonderful talented photographer. When I was first starting out, Kelly invited me to second shoot a wedding with her. Read more>>

Mark Ziemer

I’ve always been a creative person. I’m an Atlanta native, and grew up an only child with several health issues that prevented me from being an active kid. Instead, my imagination overcompensated. From a young age, I was writing short stories, doodling comics, and making magazines for my mom based on the old Zoobooks and Disney Adventures magazines. Read more>>

Maria Jordan

My story really began long before the titles, well before “author,” “media entrepreneur,” or “podcast host.” I’ve always been the girl who paid attention to people’s stories, who saw the power in using your voice, and who believed that the right message at the right moment can change someone’s life. Read more>>

Benjamin Orozco

I started off as a maintenance mechanic for Toyota, and as time went on I did become a certified technician for Toyota. I did like the time I spent at Toyota, but as I got to know some of my older coworkers, the constant question was when are they going to retire? Read more>>

Nimi Bello

My journey has never been linear — but it has always been intentional. I started my career in sales and later transitioned into technology, project management, and Agile consulting. For years, I found myself naturally stepping into roles that required connection, strategy, and building bridges across teams, communities, and opportunities. Read more>>

Johana Bermudez

My name is Johana Bermúdez. I was born in Maracaibo-Venezuela, surrounded by stories, music, family, and that beautiful world only those who grew up in a Latin household can truly understand. From a young age, I discovered I had a natural ability to communicate, connect, and tell stories in a way that touched people’s hearts. Read more>>

qurrat ain

The heart behind Glam Studio by AU. This studio is more than just a beauty space, it’s my childhood dream come true. I have full support of my Husband ‘we specialize in bridal jewelry, handbags and beauty products that bring elegance to every occasion. Read more>>

Tyler Seabolt

My journey to founding Bridge Family Therapy started long before I opened the doors in 2021. I’ve always been fascinated by how people think differently—how brains work in beautifully unique ways. Read more>>

Cathy Benson

I started my journey in a place many would never imagine. My life began under the weight of abuse, neglect, betrayal, rape, domestic violence, and layers of brokenness that left me feeling directionless and disconnected from God. For a long time, I lived in a state of stagnation, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally unable to see past the pain that shaped my early years. Read more>>

Katherine Sylvester

I am a homebirth mommy of two and a wife. I know that without the example my mother set and the support of my family, I would not have been able to have my children at home. Both of my birthing experiences helped me learn the power of the female body and ushered me to my callings in life-being a mom and loving on moms. Read more>>

Raelin McCall

I actually started dancing in high school on the step team, and at home I was that kid who was obsessed with playing Just Dance and the Michael Jackson Experience — no formal training, just pure vibes. When I started college at Georgia Southern (shoutout to the real GSU), I was introduced to Latin dance through the club Latin Rhythm Dance Group. Read more>>

Derrante Ross

I started doing hair in secret at 17, hiding my passion from my parents and others while practicing quietly with the support of my grandmother the one person other than my sisters who always saw my potential. After graduating, I made a promise to myself to take my craft seriously. And I did. Read more>>

Tamara Steward

My story started long before I ever launched a firm or called myself a consultant. I have always been the person people came to for clarity, honest reflection, and strategy that felt human. Even during my years in corporate America, working in public relations, strategy, and organizational culture, I was the one grounding people, helping them think, and leading without needing the title. Read more>>

Jea NICHOLSON

I look back to where it all started. I think about my church home back in Chicago. As a little girl I got started in this business through theater ministry there. My pastor’s daughter was a playwright and every year like clockwork she handed me a script and said she wanted me in every single play. Read more>>

Thesky Marcelin

I was born in Port-Au-Prince Haiti, and I came to the U.S. when I was 10 years old, after the earthquake in 2010. Growing up, my dad took me everywhere with him. Some of my earliest memories are waking up early on Sunday mornings to go to the junkyard for parts for whatever car he was rebuilding. Read more>>

Benedicta Olotu

I was born in Nigeria, West Africa — a place rich in culture, resilience, and ambition. Growing up in a society that values education, I completed my secondary and tertiary education in Nigeria and earned a BSc in Environmental Science. My academic path taught me structure, analytical thinking, and systems. But even then, I knew I was wired differently. Read more>>

Bobby E. Stapleton, Jr.

Many are called, but few are chosen.’ It is a great honor to stand in the presence of greatness, class, and divine purpose. This is exactly who God created Apostle Bobby E. Stapleton, Jr. to be—a man of vision, character, and compassion. He was chosen to lead a flock of outcasts, the downtrodden, and those other churches left behind. Read more>>

Tecia Janes

Choosing Him Ministries was established in 2017 with the purpose of fostering spiritual growth by bringing women together for biblical teaching, discipleship, and Christ-centered community. In our early years, we developed curriculum, published blogs and devotionals, mentored emerging writers, and facilitated events that encouraged worship, testimony, and engagement with Scripture. Read more>>

Sabrina Campbell

Since I was a small child, I wanted to be an artist. I was encouraged by my grandfather who worked in the construction industry. He would bring home pads and pencils for me and he taught me how to sketch a cube when I was 4. As I got older, I studied art every chance that I got. Read more>>

Tyler Hickman

My name is Tyler Hickman, and I’m a filmmaker. After three Regional Emmys, forty international festivals, and dozens of short films, it’s still strange to say that out loud sometimes. I’m the guy who picked up his parents’ camcorder at eight years old and never put it down. Being the oldest of three siblings taught me early: nobody hands you permission to tell stories. Read more>>

Joey Stuckey

When I was 13 years old, I became obsessed with radio drama where the stories were told via music, sound effects and dialogue. This was the perfect medium for a young adult who was blind. Read more>>

Kaitlin Robinson

I have always had a passion to be creative, digitally. I love using my ideas to create digital media, and editing is something I find joy in doing. As I got older and graduated from college, I decided that this is something I would stick to doing because it’s more than just a hobby to me. Read more>>

Chloe Clark

I am an entrepreneur and business mentor, and I have been volunteering with a national nonprofit as a business mentor since 2018. I also own a pet wellness brand specializing in skincare and grooming products for pets with allergies and sensitive skin. Read more>>

Monique Spears

Monique Spears, the owner and founder of Emerged Beauty, PLLC, is a dedicated healthcare professional and entrepreneur whose journey reflects resilience, faith, and a passion for empowering others. Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, Monique grew up in a close-knit family with her mother, father, and older brother. Read more>>

Sami Jandali

I’ve always known I had an eye for photography. Growing up, I couldn’t afford a proper camera, so I made the most of an outdated smartphone and learned to see creatively with whatever I had. Things changed in college when I was finally able to buy my first DSLR. Read more>>

Anokhi Parikh

I came to the U.S. from India with my family when I was young, carrying big dreams and an even bigger sense of identity. Growing up wasn’t always easy: I was bullied in school, made fun of for my culture, my accent, the food I ate, the way I dressed. But even in those moments, I never hid who I was. Read more>>

Ako Ayukokata

I have been making beats since I was about 14, and started recording music at around 18. My older brother, platinum writer/artist/producer ForteBowie, influenced a lot of my musical taste and style. We grew up listening to a slew of artists due to our parents music collection. Read more>>

Sherrica Davis Hunt

I live by a powerful motto: “Hunt For Greatness.” To me, greatness isn’t about titles or accolades, it’s about striving to be better than I was yesterday, embracing resilience, and inspiring others to do the same. My life is a reflection of that belief, shaped by faith, family, and an unwavering commitment to purpose. Read more>>

Jazmine Frazier

I recently launched Human Trafficking (HT) Advocates, my podcast is for real conversations around human trafficking awareness, addressing the gaps in awareness, survivor stories, the solutions that actually work, shedding light and truth. I’m the founder of Divine Comfort & Company (Divinecomfortco.com). Read more>>

Arthur G Togbah

That’s when I took the leap. I started my company, I began with very little, renting cameras and funding my early gear through small graphic design contracts. I learned by doing, making mistakes, and reinvesting every bit of profit back into the business to build long-term capacity, even when it was a risky thing to do. Read more>>

Shireen Bowman

During her time in private practice, Shireen started a trial consulting company, Trial Partners, LLC, and regularly assists solo practitioners and small firms with trial preparation. She sponsors a summer internship each year for students to work in the field of international human rights and on anti-human trafficking matters, areas of law which are very close to Shireen’s heart. Read more>>

Whitney Marshall

During my twentieth performance review in 2019, I was told that my job was being eliminated. It was a total shock and felt like such a betrayal after devoting my career to the firm. I had a one-year-old at home, undiagnosed post-partum depression, and was caring for my elderly in-laws, who were living with us due to some unexpected medical challenges. Needless to say, it was an incredibly stressful and difficult time in my life. Read more>>

Medha Krishen

Shortly afterwords, I started my food blog & someone unfortunately stole my intellectual property (IP) off my blog. I never knew about IP law until that moment and thought it was super interesting. The lawyer that I spoke to in order to help me recover damages didn’t understand why I was posting recipes on the internet. At that moment I realized there was a gap between the creative and legal world. Thankfully, I was able to get that person to stop stealing my work, but was unable to recover any monetary damages. Read more>>

Jason Jamal Ligon

By the time I got to Clemson University, I finally found enough courage to commit to acting, changing my major from engineering to conservation biology with a theater minor. I was no longer a closted actor. I was out, honey, but I was behind. I could tell that the other theater kids were lightyears ahead, but that just made me want it more. It felt like becoming a good actor was the key to discovering who I was. In my eyes, I wasn’t good, but I wanted to get better and study the craft of acting. I had found my passion. Read more>>

Travis Looney

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I became a father at 16, so I had to learn responsibility early and keep moving even when life felt heavy. At 25, I was diagnosed with Job’s Syndrome, a rare immune disorder that caused my body to fight against itself. There were days when the fatigue alone made it hard to even get out of bed, but I still showed up for my goals and those closest to me. Read more>>

Susan Gatewood-Maxwell

We walk alongside our peers to let them know if it works for me it can work for you. What I’m most proud of is when we form connections with other organizations believe in what we do. What sets us apart from others are the way we treat everyone with no judgement and we understand. We meet them where they’re at. I am most proud of receiving two degrees in Criminal Justice graduating from Georgia State University. I am known for doing service in my area and always giving back Read more>>

Destiny Williams

I was born in New Orleans and moved to Atlanta to chase my dreams. That move changed my life — I started acting in short films, appearing in music videos, and building my name through hard work and creativity. I’ve been featured in videos with Lil Baby, Mulatto, DaBaby, T-Pain, ATL Jacob, Sonny Digital, and bangladash and my journey has taken me from viral skits on Instagram and TikTok to interviews with legends like Jadakiss and Uncle Murda. Read more>>

Damali Monagan

Nothing is ever a smooth road or, at least, I don’t think so. I actually started practicing and taking clients during COVID, right in my apartment, without really knowing what I was doing or what would happen when my lease was up. I didn’t even know if I’d get the practice I needed because times were so weird then.   Read more>>

Terrika Taper

A year later, we moved to Atlanta. I didn’t take hair seriously at first, so I did it on the side. I worked in kid salons, and later became a travel/mobile stylist, which is really where my base clientele started. From there it grew strictly through word of mouth. I became so busy that I eventually worked in a salon in Snellville for a year, all while still juggling a 9–5. Read more>>

Fnu Sumiya

My journey with henna started long before it became a business. I first began doing henna in 5th grade, practicing simple designs on myself just for fun. By 6th grade, it became a true hobby, and I spent hours improving my work. Read more>>

Jesse Jones

I was born in a small city just outside of Pittsburgh, PA called Aliquippa. I was a church kid. Church was basically my whole life from the time I was born till this very day. I attended The Church In The Round, COGIC under the late great Bishop Melvin E. Clark, Sr. Read more>>

Cory Phelps

Upon graduating undergrad from Western Carolina University, I came to Atlanta ten years ago for the apprenticeship program at the Aurora Theatre. Throughout my time here, I have served as an actor, director, teaching artist, and arts administrator across the city’s vibrant theatre scene. I am now the co-founder and Artistic Director of Destination Theatre. Read more>>

Plugged In with JPlus Podcast

From a very young age, I’ve always been drawn to the world of arts and entertainment; film, music, radio, and anything that allowed people to express themselves and connect. My media journey actually started years ago in college, when I launched my own online radio show, I’m Just Saying, which I hosted from 2015 to 2018. Read more>>

Kiana Carter

As far back as I remember, I have always had an interest in doing hair, makeup, and nails. My teacher from daycare often tells a story about how I, as a toddler, ‘curled’ her hair with Legos and would get mad if she took them out. I spent a lot of time not embracing my curls and always tried to straighten my hair. Read more>>

Tanisha Nellum

My journey began with a simple thought back in 2017. Growing up, I always wanted to be a teacher, so I followed that passion and pursed my degree in Early Childhood Education. After finishing school, I entered the school system, but quickly realized that everything was centered around test scores instead of the children themselves. Read more>>

Asia Shamir Ferguson

As a kid, I was always immersed in music, film, television, and dance. I greatly desired to be an actress and the center of attention. From drama club, dance teams, choir, and YouTube, I bounced around to a lot of creative mediums. Read more>>

Eneilu Leon

My journey into sunless tanning started during a day in my full time job as a medical assistant, trying to find ways to leave this hard schedule and trying to get more income. I’ve worked in the medical field for years—first completing medical school in my home country, and later continuing my career in the United States as a Medical Assistant in a dermatology office. Read more>>

Antwione Saunders

I’m a 36 year old filmmaker and entrepreneur who grew up in Philadelphia, where creativity and hustle were a part of everyday life so much so that I have the word “Creativity” tattooed across my chest, a piece that always draws attention and speaks to who I am. My journey didn’t begin on big film sets or with a perfect roadmap. Read more>>

Olesea Albu

I began my artistic journey in Moldova, where I lived, studied, and gradually shaped myself as an artist until 2024. I earned my Master’s degree in scenography and costume design at the Academy of Music, Theatre, and Fine Arts in Chișinău. Read more>>

Venessa Cratic-Dillard

Thank you for having me. My journey has been shaped by faith, family, service, and a desire to leave a meaningful legacy. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, U.S. Army veteran, caregiver for my father, and a woman who believes in operating with love, integrity, and intention. Academically, I hold an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree in Business and Organizational Leadership. Read more>>

Denia Durden

In 2019, I enrolled in the Functional Trichology program with The American Academy of Hair and Scalp Diseases so I could support my clients beyond styling and truly address the root causes of their concerns. The following year, in 2020, I opened Salon Nia Sadé Beauty & Hair Loss, a safe space where women receive personalized services and also feel comfortable sharing what they’re going through internally, so I can help connect those internal imbalances with what’s showing up externally on their scalp. Read more>>

Pierre R. Michel

As I grew, I started to recognize how much I enjoyed working with professional, helping them feel confident and seen through authentic, polished portraits. In 2019, that realization led to a major shift. I transitioned from Pierre Ricardo Michel Photography to Headshot Solution & Beyond, LLC (HSB ATL), focusing on corporate and branding photography. It was more than a name change. It was a clear step toward helping businesses and individuals tell their stories through strong, professional imagery. Read more>>

Emmanuel Oluwafemi

No it has never been a smooth road has its said that those that are called for a mission or purpose don’t find it easy, the struggles start from promotions, management mostly if you are independent it’s hard to be heard when you don’t have a good reliable management second is the team when you don’t have a good team it becomes struggle third is funds when you lack money you struggle Read more>>

Brandon Zack” Zackary”

Not at all! (Laughs) But it has been quite the learning and growing experience! Building and operating a business from the ground up comes with trial, error, overwhelming jobs, and fluctuating income. Being in this industry, where some mechanics aren’t always genuine, I had to go above and beyond to show & prove that I’m set apart from the rest. Read more>>

Matilda Adu

Absolutely. My story really begins in the second grade, when I stepped into DeKalb Elementary School of the Performing Arts. While other kids were going from math to science, I was flowing between dance, acting, and singing. From a young age, it was already written in my spirit that I was meant to entertain… to create… to move people. Read more>>

Mike Morris

My dad is awesome! He first introduced me to a camera when I was 11. He convinced me to record all of our home movies. A few years later, my mom gave me a photography camera for my birthday. I grew up practicing both as a hobby but never took it seriously. Read more>>

Sharee Boyd

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d end up a real estate photographer and a real estate agent, I would’ve laughed, taken a sip of coffee, and changed the subject. In October of 2019, after almost 20 years as a surgical assistant, I walked away from the medical field with absolutely zero idea what I was going to do next. Read more>>

Emily Klimkiewicz

I’ve loved astrology since I was little but I never imagined it would become my career. For most of my adult life I was in New York City raising my two kids, Annabelle and William, and building a career in interior design. Astrology was just something I enjoyed and studied on the side. Read more>>

Katherine Quiroz

I started my journey with very simple beginnings a strong work ethic, a desire to grow, and a belief that I could build the life I imagined. I begin modeling since I was 9 slowly discovering my passions. Those experiences taught me discipline, patience, and how to connect with people, which became the foundation for everything I do today. Read more>>

Joshua Miller

It started one spring around 2015/16 while I was in still living in Tennessee. I was coming to Atlanta for my birthday and my uncle, who was living here at the time told me I could help him build a deck to make some extra birthday money. Once I helped him complete it, it was like I found my calling. Read more>>

Jessica Law-Davis

I fell in love with acting when I was about seven or eight years old, long before I understood what “acting” even was. It started as something therapeutic for me. I’d watch movies and naturally begin mimicking what I saw — full improv without knowing that’s what I was doing. Read more>>

Jo Nau

Jojo Fritay is truly a story of family, faith, and flavor. We started as a family with a simple idea to bring the bold, authentic taste of Haitian food to our community. One day we said, “Why not us? Why not now?” and that spark turned into what is now Jojo Fritay. Like many small businesses, we faced real challenges, especially during COVID. Read more>>

Young Bae

I was born in Seoul, South Korea, into a life most people only see in movies like Parasite or Squid Game—except for me, it wasn’t entertainment. It was survival. I grew up in poverty, in fear, and in constant chaos under a violent father. Some nights I slept in a community center, sometimes under a desk, and for a while in a freezing shipping container. Read more>>

David Ford

I’ve never had a traditional path — my story has been shaped by movement, reinvention, and staying curious. I grew up in Philadelphia and lived in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, Reno, and Las Vegas, and each place added something to me. I’ve always been creative, but I didn’t step into content creation intentionally at first. Read more>>

Kimberly Grice

My story didn’t start with candles, it started with faith, reinvention, and a decision to build something that felt like home. I’ve worked in service and insurance for over 25 years, and during that time I learned how to connect with people, listen to their needs, and create experiences that feel personal. Read more>>

Markisha Love

I started preparing taxes in 2014 while earning $10.50 an hour for a tax company. During that time, my resources were limited, and I was a mom of three working hard to create stability and opportunity for my family. I was balancing motherhood, long days, and a desire to learn a high-income skill that could change our lives. Read more>>

Rachel Burdette

My journey in this industry began when I was at a bit of a quarter life crisis. After the birth of my son and the loss of a family member, I felt like what I was doing wasn’t enough and I wanted more. I have done a lot of different jobs over the years but never found something that was my true passion that I felt like I could grow in.  Read more>>

Roswell Fine Arts Alliance

From 10 members originally meeting in a renovated farm building we are now located in Art Center East on Fouts Road in Roswell with gallery and classroom space. We sponsor educational programs, exhibitions and demonstrations for members and encourage young and emerging artists. Read more>>

Robert Herbertson

Regency Art & Frame is a family-owned and operated business that started back in California around 1975 as an Auction house selling fine art.. Over the years, we have moved into Sports, Movie, and Rock and roll memorabilia. Always a frame shop open to the public and specializing in working with non-profits to maximise their efforts by helping with Silent Auctions or Live Auctions… Read more>>

Ben Reardon

I have always been a fan of hot sauce. I accidentally created the Benny Sauce Original Heat on my day off over four years ago. I never did it for the money, I just wanted to create a product to share with friends and family. It has also allowed me to get more exposure and my name out there. Read more>>