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.

Gerald M’nyaki

My journey into the world of software began not in a lecture hall, but in the quiet hum of a local cyber café. Fresh out of high school, I was captivated by the hidden logic of computers, a fascination that was still abstract, waiting for a spark. That spark arrived in the form of a customer. Read more>>

Krystal Currie

I’ve always been someone who cares deeply about people, their stories, their potential, and the environments that shape them. That passion led me into the world of social services early on. I studied social work and began working with youth and families who were navigating crisis, instability, and systems that often failed them. Read more>>

Ricci de Forest

I was born in Cleveland Ohio. I was in 4 foster care homes from age 5-12. It was in one of the foster homes that I went to Dian Elementary School. One school day the teacher passed out paper plates, crepe paper, glue, and scissors withe the round tip. Her instructions to the classs was to design paper plate hats for a school play. Read more>>

Dawn Muscio

I always knew I wanted to be an artist. After graduating from high school I attended Pratt Institute (1987-1991). My original major was graphic design, but through some great mentorship I had decided to major in fine arts and minor in illustration. My thinking was I would be a freelance illustrator and sell jewelry on the streets of NYC in between freelance jobs. Read more>>

Bk Wilkinson

I started my training company with a simple mission: to give back and pour into the youth who need guidance the most. Growing up, I saw firsthand how many kids didn’t have a father figure or anyone to help them develop—on the field or in life. I wanted to be that positive voice, that mentor, and that consistent support. Read more>>

Jahleela Campbell

The Fuzion Hair Studio was born out of a passion for transforming not just hair, but confidence. My journey started behind the chair as a stylist deeply invested in the art of hair care; particularly for textured and multicultural hair. Over time, I recognized a gap in the industry: clients were often forced to choose between healthy hair practices and trend-driven styling. Read more>>

Jeanane Freeman

I started Lip Fetish because lip products have always been my favorite way to express confidence, femininity, and a little bit of attitude. For me, a gloss isn’t just a gloss — it’s a vibe. It’s that flirty, fun spark that makes you feel unstoppable the moment you put it on. I wanted to create a brand that celebrates that feeling. Read more>>

Brittany Crutcher

Off Canvas Designs officially launched in 2023, but the story started long before then. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had an artistic knack. Whether I was creating graphics, styling parties for close family and friends, or painting furniture just for the fun of it. Creative expression has always been in the mix. Read more>>

Rachael Bell

My dad was a contractor and carpenter who built custom homes in my hometown of Bainbridge, which gave me early exposure to the building process. I loved studying the house plans he had spread on his desk, or exploring the job site and watching the house come to life by my dad’s hands. Read more>>

Rosana Exposito

It started back in 2018 when someone I worked with reached out to me about an opportunity to become a coach/trainer at her husband’s gym. I was not certified then and though I felt flattered and honored that she reached out to me, I wasn’t sure if I’d even be good at it. Read more>>

India Anthony

For four years, I’ve been transforming celebrations through custom balloon décor, personalized gifts, and complete event planning services. My business was built brick by brick—powered by determination, self-belief, and the commitment to never give up on my dreams. Read more>>

Pallavi Gudka

Hello! I’m Pallavi, the heart and soul behind PenAPoem. Born and raised in the vibrant city of Mumbai, my journey has taken me to a few places across the globe – from Singapore to the bustling streets of Hong Kong. Throughout these adventures, one constant has remained – my deep-rooted love for the written word. Read more>>

Olympian Andrew Garpu-Reyes

⸻ I started The Drew Stretch Method a few years ago with just two clients in Richland, Washington. At the time, it was just an idea—people around me didn’t fully understand it, and some even laughed at the concept. But I believed in the value of what I could provide: personalized stretch therapy, recovery, and performance enhancement that really worked. Read more>>

Katie Mercer Van Schoor

My name is Katie Mercer Van Schoor and it’s an honor to be featured. Thank you for your interest. I’ve always loved people and talking to everyone. Growing up in LaGrange, I genuinely liked everyone and wanted to get to hear everyone’s story. Read more>>

Maureen Schuster

My career has centered on serving others as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I earned my MSW from the University of Georgia—Go Dawgs!—and have spent my professional life supporting older adults through roles in hospice, private practice, affordable housing, and speaking and training. I’m passionate about advocating for the needs and highlighting the strengths of the aging population. Read more>>

Concrete kash

Absolutely. My journey really began with a deep love for music at a young age. I started DJing over a decade ago, driven by curiosity and a passion for blending sounds in a way that made people feel something. Read more>>

Rashad Jones-Jennings

Growing up in a low-income household, I understood early what it meant to struggle. Nothing was guaranteed. I faced the common challenges of inner-city life — limited resources, unstable environments, and the pressure to make something out of nothing. Basketball became my outlet and my escape, but even that path required a relentless commitment. Read more>>

John Jahni” Moore”

Growing up, saddled with the binary history of the American south, I was faced with the peculiar positionality of the “Black body” and its use and perception in history. In my work, I contend with varying dualities and how they serve to speak to the human condition and cosmic repositioning. Immersed in the craft, I took up the mantle of educator. As an educator, I taught art professionally from kindergarten to college in public and private sectors. I am vested in art as a discipline as an creative for life. Read more>>

Geeta Shirvalkar

I knew from the beginning that the channel / dance co. won’t be famous instantaneously. I also knew the people who support us will support us throughout unconditionally; but there is always a big factor of Jealousy, Comparison, Politics, lack of appreciation, and being unhappy by seeing the progress/success of others. I had to face that a lot! Read more>>

Henriette Ostrzega

In 1986, I arrived in the United States with curiosity, determination, and the spark of possibility. My earliest days were spent at my cousin’s travel agency, where I absorbed the art of crafting journeys and witnessed how travel could open hearts and minds. Those formative experiences planted a seed: the belief that travel is more than movement—it’s connection, discovery, and transformation. Read more>>

Nasya Shepard

 The Story of Nasya Shepard  A journey of mirakuls, resilience, and purpose. Nasya Shepard’s life began with a mirakul. Born with esophageal atresia, she spent her earliest years fighting battles many never face. Read more>>

Chioma Narcisse-Williams

My name is Chioma Narcisse-Williams and I’m an 11 year old professional percussionist. My journey as a drummer has been an incredible adventure, filled with passion, hard work, and the support of my community. I am blessed to be in a family that celebrated creativity. Music is always around me, but it was a family gathering that truly sparked my love for drumming. Read more>>

Shirley Gregory

I am Shirley Gregory, a person in long-term recovery with 33 years clean. My Higher Power, my sponsor, my home group, the principles, and traditions of recovery has given me relationships with persons in recovery and other organizations to serve with passion and empathy. Sponsoring nine ladies today, has enriched my ability to give back to the community and be of service. Read more>>

Brandon Mishawn

First of all, thank you for having me. I deeply appreciate what yall are doing for the ATL art scene. To the question: The truest answer is that I got into the arts based on my experience at LaGrange college where I took a theater 101 course looking for an easy A. Read more>>

Brian Emond

After NOT following in my siblings footsteps, I decided attend an arts magnet highschool. Due to the discrepancy between men and women at schools like this, boys tend to get placed everywhere they can, so I was quickly thrust into acting, singing, and dancing. Read more>>

Rosanna Drumgoole

Like many entrepreneurs, my journey didn’t start with a perfectly polished plan, it started with hope. I signed up under a “guru” who promised fast money and freedom, and yes, like so many others, I found myself swept into the world of MLM with big dreams of overnight success. Read more>>

Samantha Shepherd

I struggled. My skin was constantly breaking out and getting freckled and in my teens I was already getting microdermabrasion and good skin care from a nurse in town. The confidence I felt when I was leaving my appointments made me realize that I wanted to make people feel that way. Read more>>

Ra Blanco

As a part of the LGBTQ community, I’ve dealt with judgement all my life. That doesn’t take away from the hardcore hip hop/rap artist that I am. I’ve created a found passion for music and creative arts. With my darling lyrics, bold fashion sense and the attitude to match. I’ve I am proud to be Ra Blanco! Read more>>

Diamond Blount

My Story / How I Started & How I Got Here My journey in the beauty industry started long before I ever picked up a makeup brush professionally. I’ve always been a creative, and doing hair and makeup came naturally to me, even as a young girl. Read more>>

Tatyana White

I didn’t become an esthetician because I had the perfect skincare routine. I became one because God kept placing women in my path who needed more than surface-level beauty….they needed healing, softness, and a safe place to breathe. My journey started with simple compliments on my skin, long before I knew anything about exfoliants or treatments. Read more>>

Shayla Patrick

I’ve been cutting up my clothes since I was a child. I used to stay getting in trouble by my mother for bleaching or tearing up my clothes. But it’s definitely something I’ve been doing for a long time. LOL. When I was in high school, the seniors had a thing where they would wear camouflage on Fridays. Read more>>

Marcus Burton

I started practicing production on FL Studio almost daily. Then August of 2020 is when I became serious about production after I briefly met the rapper CEO Trayle one night while working a security job in Atlanta, January of that year. But some of my musical influences are my own brother EastsideLotto, of course CEO Trayle, Skrilla, Lucki, Loe Shimmy, Icytwat, FoxBD, Jorjiana, Earl Sweatshirt & many others. Read more>>

Jennifer Sheldt

I come from a long line of makers. My grandfather built heirloom furniture that still lives on through my family today, and the women in my family wove the world together one thread at a time. My mom filled our home with warmth — a pile of scarves and afghans stacked like hugs, stitched right into the fabric of my childhood. Read more>>