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.

Neji Ichiban

Pro wrestling was what I was born to do. I was always outspoken, always trying to be at the center of it all, plus I was a huge fan of it overall so of course I HAD to do it. Read more>>

Setra Sundahta

Am I doing what I was told to do? I ask myself this question on a regular basis. Sometimes I feel like I’m not doing enough. Like I’m not on the path that I should be done. Like I could be doing more. Read more>>

Krista Durant

I am absolutely walking my path—one that was carved out through lived experience, faith, resilience, and the determination to turn pain, challenges, and lessons into purpose. Nothing about my journey has been accidental. Every hardship, every setback, every door that closed pushed me closer to the woman, entrepreneur, and community advocate I am today. Read more>>

Donielle Story

I recently had the opportunity to be the makeup artist on The Portia Show for the models in the segment, where they also featured pieces from my online jewelry boutique – Precise Boutique. We had so many fun moments, and I’m really proud of myself for taking on that collaboration and showing up with confidence. Read more>>

Sasha Cottrell

What I feel I’m being called to do right now is truly enter adulthood. I’m sure many can relate, and some might think it foolish at this age, but as I just entered my 24th year of living, I still have no idea what I’m doing… I have always been a very organized and driven person, but I have never felt in control. Read more>>

Louie Love

When I was about thirteen, my family moved from Fort Huachuca, Arizona to Frankfurt, Germany. I had barely finished unpacking before I met a kid named Jameel Horton, who became my first friend and unofficial guide to life there. Read more>>

Nkululeko Zungu

I am currently embarking on a journey of healing, centered around a brand identity I am building: ‘Black child…heal.’ This mantra reflects my desire to break generational patterns that have negatively affected Black people–more specifically, those that have shaped me as a Black child. In this process, I allow myself to feel every emotion necessary: hurt, anger, confusion, and ultimately, clarity. Read more>>

Keonta Coleman

I’m proud of the confidence I’m building in myself and in my art. For years, I let fear and opinions hold me back from sharing my photography and videography. But I’m done hiding. I’m trusting my eye, embracing my creativity, and stepping fully into the artist I’ve always been. This is just the beginning and my work will be seen. Read more>>

Dequies Lanier

As a coach who focuses on the healing journey, this is one of the most deeply personal questions I would have been afraid to answer in the past. Today, I am elated to share my heart to support other women in that space, waiting for hope to fill their hearts again, knowing that healing is possible. Read more>>

Lakeshia Seals

My Testimony: A Journey to the Call As a child, I learned to survive. Growing up in a single-parent household my mom often worked two jobs. I faced instability, rejection, and father abandonment issues due to my father’s addiction to drugs which left a void. As I grew older, I carried those unhealed wounds into adulthood. Read more>>

Lea Mason

Over the past two years, I began attending—and eventually joined—Change Church in Duluth, GA. During this time, I’ve experienced tremendous spiritual growth, and God has healed my heart in ways I never could have imagined. I also completed two courses offered by Dr. Dharius Daniels: Marketplace Mandate Academy and Uncommon Calling Elite. Read more>>

Cierra Empress Wilson

Working on my podcast for inspiration to the people of poverty and the people thats not popular. Read more>>

Ajaé Moore

For me, candle making is where time slows down and I find myself again. Working with scents and fragrances is soothing it brings me into the present moment. When I’m blending oils or pouring wax, everything else fades out. It becomes a space where I can lock in with myself, focus on the details, and reconnect with my creativity and peace. Read more>>

Asha Patel

Dancing and crafting make me lose track of time—they take me right back to my core, to the part of me that feels most alive and free. When I’m dancing, I’m not thinking about anything else; I’m just in my body, moving with the rhythm, letting joy take over. It’s a release, a reminder that presence can feel light and effortless. Read more>>

Shani Belgrave

My friends would say authenticity is what matters most to me. I love being around genuine people and real human connection. I also believe laughter is the best medicine, and I try to find joy even when life gets challenging. Read more>>

Christopher Brazelton

They’d probably say I’m big on commitment. I was raised to follow through, and I still try to live that way—whether it’s friendships, family, or the work I do. It’s not about never changing your mind; it’s about showing up, keeping your word, and finishing what you start. In a world that moves fast, I think that extra layer of follow-through still matters a lot. Read more>>

Isismari Sanabria

For me, integrity is the most important of all three. Intelligence opens doors and energy keeps you moving forward, but integrity is what allows you to build something that lasts. Read more>>

Jen Vasquez

This is a tricky question, because integrity is non-negotiable for me. Without it, nothing else really matters. But if I have to pick the one I’m most conscious of managing every single day, it’s energy. Energy is in my world all day long—what’s coming at me, what I’m letting in, and what I’m putting out. Read more>>

Melissa King

My late supervisor during my internship… Dr. Marcy Susan Hardy. She taught me so much about integrating my Christian faith into clinical practice. The year I worked with her was invaluable. I continued to learn from her in the beginning years of my career. She passed away last year and I’ve thought about her many times lately. Read more>>

Mikel D. Melwasul

My Dad. He had five boys, and our mom home schooled. My Dad also owned his own company but it was solely operated other than when he brought me or one of my brothers along for summer. Working in a small, metal trailer in GA summer heat developed more character than I know what to do with, which is why I write. – Mik Read more>>

Gamesia Tate

I don’t think I’ve ever allowed anyone to tell me who I had to be. I’ve always been head strong with who I am as a woman. Read more>>

KeShawn Haynes

Honestly, that is exactly how I live my life. I have learned to use other people’s doubt as fuel. When I sense negativity about my capacity or my vision, I use it to press forward even harder. Read more>>

Rachel Ramsey

In my work, I pay attention to whether a trend lives at the level of novelty or infrastructure. Fads live on the surface. Foundational shifts change systems. So I look at three dimensions: 1. Time: Does it eliminate friction? When something redesigns the customer or employee journey, you don’t go back. Examples: digital scheduling, QR menus during the pandemic, delivery logistics. Read more>>

Michelle Gonzalez

If I knew I only had 10 years left, I would stop wasting time doubting myself, overthinking, and staying in situations that don’t honor me. I would stop putting my dreams on hold and stop giving my energy to people and things that drain me. I’d focus fully on living, loving, creating, and experiencing everything my soul has been craving. Read more>>

Jozaida Morris

Asking people for input on achievements/ goals i have and just go for it. All of it. Sometimes we just need validation but you can also validate yourself . Read more>>