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.

Dr. Leticha Heflin, DSL, MS

That encouragement carried me forward and ultimately led to being awarded the Bill & Melinda Gates Scholarship, which allowed me to pursue my bachelor’s degree at Hampton University and my master’s degree at Old Dominion University. Those experiences further shaped my worldview and strengthened my commitment to resilience, service, and global awareness. Read more>>

“Grand”

BIO • 44 VR OLD VETERAN EMCEE, FROM SUFFOLK COUNTY LONG ISLAND NY GRAND* HAS BEEN RAPPING SERIOUSLY SINCE 17 YRS OLD, 1993. BACK THEN HE WAS PART OF A 4 MAN GROUP, WITH THREE OTHER LOCAL EMCEES, CALLED GHOSTLAND. THEY BUILT A RESPECTED FAN BASE THE YEARS WE WERE ACTIVE UNTIL 1997. THEN HE MADE HIS FIRST DEMO, 5 SONGS IN 2004. Read more>>

Louise ‘LP’ Garcia

My name is Louise Garcia, though most people in Atlanta know me simply as LP. While I officially moved here in 2018, I have been in love with this city for over two decades. There is a magnetic appeal to a place that makes belonging and community involvement feel like a way of life rather than an afterthought. Read more>>

Dr. Sathya Callender-Wilson

My journey with Kutie Patooties gift boutique began in 2014, driven by a desire to create unique and memorable gifts for the military family community and abroad. As a self-taught artisan, I found joy in crafting diaper cakes, a fun and creative way to celebrate expectant mothers. This endeavor quickly resonated with those around me, leading to the launch of my eBay store. Read more>>

Traci Hatos

I started Channel Your Pet in 2022 and this was a calling that came to me later in life. I’ve always be an intuitive and have had a knowing of things since I was little girl. This was encouraged by my mother who recognized my abilities and was able to guide me to understand this gift. Read more>>

Kristen Lockard

I’ve been drawn to autism for as long as I can remember. As a young woman thinking about my future, I knew that if I wanted to feel fulfilled, I needed to spend my life working alongside people with autism. That path led me to speech-language pathology, and I never looked back. Read more>>

Sara Greer

I could sing before I could talk. Piano was my first instrument, then guitar. I started writing songs around 9 years old, and started posting music online and performing locally when I was 13. I then put out a couple of records as a teenager, none of which performed well. Read more>>

Chris “Q. Smitty” Smith

I started consistently announcing in 2022 with a few interim roles for football the years prior. I’ve announced for Football, Basketball, and Volleyball, with a few games for baseball and softball. I aspire to advance through the ranks from High School to Professional level. Clark Atlanta University is the first university that I’ve announced for on a collegiate level. Read more>>

Ely Honkpo

I started photography on a Samsung phone back in 2016, just experimenting and capturing what inspired me. I didn’t get my first camera until 2018, and that’s when my passion really started to take shape. What began as curiosity turned into a deep love for storytelling through images, and I committed myself to learning, practicing, and growing with every opportunity. Read more>>

Ranjeeta Bhattacharjee

It all started during COVID times, when I started creating content for Tiktok; during that time there wasnt much awareness about ‘Influencer’ thing. I loved shooting videos, and editing was my forte. Gradually, my followers count started increasing, and that became a huge motivation for me. I hopped onto Instagram and that’s when things started going green for me. Read more>>

Dana Green

I was born in Alabama and raised on the Southside of Atlanta, primarily in College Park. My upbringing was shaped by both love and instability. I was raised by a single mother while my father battled schizophrenia, and as a family, we experienced periods of temporary homelessness and real financial struggle. Read more>>

Renee Price

Partyology was born from a simple idea: celebrations matter, especially in communities where joy is often overlooked or undervalued. What started as a small passion project offering children’s parties and event support has grown into a full-scale event planning and experiential brand serving families, organizations, and communities across Alabama. Read more>>

Kiera Wiatrak

I always like to start my story by sharing that I have a background in journalism. I went to journalism school at the University of Wisconsin, and freelanced at various newspapers through college. In fact, my first job out of school was in UW’s newsroom. Read more>>

SHANNON BALENCIAGA

My journey as the CEO and Founder of ANNAGA Luxury Skincare is rooted in resilience, vision, and an unwavering belief in self-worth. I didn’t come from a traditional beauty or corporate background, I came from lived experience. I understood early on that taking care of yourself, especially your skin, is not about vanity; it’s about dignity, healing, and confidence. Read more>>

JOHNNY LUMPKIN

I was approached by a mentor of a business opportunity in 2005. I was provided information on saving money by joining a travel club. The club included credentials to be a travel agent, and I was hooked. I have a professional background in Information Technology, and I have a true love for customer service, planning, and logistics. Read more>>

Marcus (Marce) Batemon

Growing up in Forest Park, there was always a lot going on, but the one thing I consistently gravitated toward was music. My brothers were heavily in the streets, but they rapped and kept music playing throughout the house at all times, so falling in love with it came naturally. Read more>>

Clint Byars

I was born in Atlanta at Piedmont Hospital and have always loved Atlanta. I grew up in the late 80s and 90s, going to see bands at all the small clubs and concert halls, it was a great time for music back then. During those times, drugs were readily available, so my friends and I embraced that culture. Read more>>

ARVIND VANMALI

I was born and in Panama, Central America .I am of Indian descent. Spent part of my child hood in Mumbai ,India where I graduated from High school . I am a self taught artist with no formal education in arts. My passion for art began early in High school. Read more>>

Elaine & Gary Jones

Our story began the same way it does for a lot of photographers, working in a small studio with limited space and big expectations. We were constantly moving backdrops, repositioning light stands, and navigating around gear that took up more room than it should. Read more>>

Alyssa Richardson

It could have been the pandemic, it could have been turning 30 the month before and hitting a quarter life crisis, or it could have been the growing discontentment in my soul, but the Spring of 2020 was a catalyst that propelled me to where I am today. I was 5 years into my career as a physical therapist and already felt burned out. Read more>>

Dr. O’nae Chatman

I was born to 14 year old parents in rural Mississippi in the 80’s. To be honest my story is one of perseverance and grit. This is why i tell people to never despise small beginnings. In the year 2000 I dropped out of college and started working in local factories. Read more>>

Dustin Schumacher

Absolutely. Growing up I was in and out of bands my entire life. A band of mine had broken up and my good friend, Chris told me I should start doing cover songs and post them up online. He talked me into doing a Post Malone cover and it went viral. Read more>>

Kostadinka Aratlakova

I have been involved in acting for as long as I can remember. From an early age, I took part in small performances organized by my grandmother. These were informal and not professional, but they introduced me to the stage. I played different roles, such as a soldier or a dog, and often sang children’s songs for a small audience of family friends. Read more>>

Eric White Jr.

My journey in the fitness industry began in the fall of 2021 when I was just 16 years old. Having been a competitive track athlete since the age of six, I wanted to channel my passion for sports into a business that could help others. I initially started by offering personal training to mothers in my local community. Read more>>

Amber Nichole Stultz

Amber Nichole Stultz, known as @AmberNicholeMedia on Instagram (IG) is a Spring 2017 initiate of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Zeta or ZPhiB), a member of Alpha Phi Omega Co-ed Service Fraternity (APO or APhiQ), a Higher Education professional, and a social media influencer. In 2018, Amber Nichole became a social media influencer inspired by Amber Nichole’s membership in Zeta where she developed advertising/promotion services. Read more>>

Carlos Bates

I was a producer first and transitioned into being a DJ. A friend of mine was running a club and “RETIRED” from DJing and told me I needed to learn. After about 3 years of him telling me to learn I bought a beginner controller and then evolved to turntables. I wish I would’ve started with the turntables first. That was 10 years ago now. Read more>>

Dr. Ibbie Aromolaran

I’m obsessed with exploring and discussing relational dynamics! In my early 20s, while working in a bar, I somehow became the person everyone talked to about dating and relationships. Coworkers and patrons alike would vent about their struggles. At the same time, I was navigating my own experiences, and I genuinely loved talking through it all. Read more>>

VEMPRE TERRELL JR.

My journey has been shaped by a deep desire to make a meaningful, lasting impact. I began as an author, using writing to process life lessons, growth, and purpose. What started as a personal outlet evolved into a mission: to positively impact the lives of my readers by sharing stories and insights that inspire clarity, confidence, and forward movement. Read more>>

Jimesia Shellman

I started my gifting journey in 2017 under a the name Blueprints to Baskets. What began as a creative passion and side project grew steadily as I learned the ins and outs of entrepreneurship, branding, and customer experience. In 2022, I rebranded as The Georgia Gifting Company to better reflect my growth, refined vision, and commitment to delivering elevated, intentional gifting experiences. Read more>>

Jessica Bennett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Grate Taxes and Company Leads with Faith, Integrity, and Global Impact Under Purpose-Driven Leadership Atlanta, GA — Grate Taxes and Company, a nationally recognized Tax Strategy, Planning, and Accounting firm, continues to set itself apart through purpose-driven leadership, ethical excellence, and a commitment to serving clients with integrity and faith-based values. Read more>>

Bobby Nash

I am a writer. I write novels, comic books, short stories, full-cast audio dramas, and some short film scripts. I have been a working writer for a little over 30 years now. As of this interview (January 1, 2026), I have 219 published credits. 45 novels/novellas/collections, 101 short stories/anthologies, 63 comic books/graphic novels, 8 original screenplays, & 4 original audio scripts. Read more>>

Kelly Simeon

Being the oldest of four, I learned early on how different people actually can be and how to appreciate and maneuver those differences. Everyone processes the world in their own way. Read more>>

Peuge Benjamin

My relationship with travel started early. My first trip was to Haiti when I was about six years old, and I remember it vividly—the excitement of getting on a plane, the feeling of going somewhere completely different. Haiti is my parents’ homeland, so to me it wasn’t just a trip; it was an opportunity to see and experience where they came from. Read more>>

james paige

I always wanted to become a restaurant manager growing up in Savannah working at a couple of restaurants during high school.After serving 3 years in the Marine Corps,I pursued a restaurant manager career. Read more>>

Conchitha Hargrove

My journey started with a love for food, creativity, and community. Early in my career, I worked in accounting and later stepped into corporate food service operations, where I learned the systems, logistics, and discipline behind running large-scale kitchens. At the same time, I always kept a foot in entrepreneurship — from selling treats to opening my first restaurant, *Etta V’s*, inspired by my grandmother. Read more>>

Wilma Sheffield

My journey into wellness and spirituality began long before I ever opened a store. In 2011, I opened myself to meditation for the first time, beginning a deeply personal—and at times challenging—path of learning how to balance my energy and heal from within. That foundation shaped everything that followed. Read more>>

Smurph

Life has different types or levels of success which all deserve celebration, even the small wins. Ultimate success is what I would consider the highest level. For me personally, I would feel ultimate success if I’m not only able to build a business that’s established in the marketplace, but I have taught others how to maximize on what I have built. If I can convince someone to take advantage of all of my hard work, mistakes and experiences, and they are able to use that as the foundation to grow what I have started, then I would feel successful. Read more>>

Kawunda Pryor

started my baking journey around 2005, sharing my creations mainly with family and at work functions. The idea of transforming my passion into a business truly began to take shape one Christmas, around 2015, when my mom gifted me a Kitchen Aid mixer and a church cookbook filled with wonderful homemade recipes. Read more>>

Nina Mallery

Originally I studied art history and was fond of the thought and process behind art. I didnt consider that art could be my career and For years I was creating art for myself as a hobby. When the pandemic hit back in 2020 I decided to go back to school and study animation. Read more>>

Chef Tessa Farley

I started cooking at the age of 9. One day my mom was sick and too weak to cook, so I asked if I could make dinner for her. I’m sure she expected sandwiches or something simple—but instead, I prepared a full Southern meal: fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and rice. That moment sparked something in me that never left. Read more>>

Tiera Page

I’ve been doing hair since high school, even though for a long time I didn’t believe it was truly my calling. I loved it, but I didn’t see it as my future. After graduating, I went to college for anthropology with dreams of becoming a forensic anthropologist or medical examiner. As time went on, medical school no longer felt realistic, and my path shifted. Read more>>

Princess Benson

Thirteen years ago, I parlayed my passion for beauty into business and debuted “Pibona” Growing up in Nigeria as a teenager I struggled with acne and sought effective solutions to improve my skin. Read more>>

Deavion Brown

I’ve been interested in fashion from a very young age, which led me to attend the High School of Fashion Industries, where I majored in business of fashion. That early exposure gave me a strong foundation and confirmed that fashion was the career path I wanted to pursue. Read more>>

Sally Isabella

Melissa and I are sister in laws (we were married to brothers). Unfortunately both of them passed away at a young age. Together we had started a business making crafts (we’re the creative type). We stumbled across the idea of splatter paint and thought it was a genius idea for an entertainment company. Read more>>

Chris Cannon

I didn’t plan to become an artist. In fact, I studied art in college and hated ceramics so much back then that I didn’t touch clay again for over a decade. But life took me on a journey that wasn’t picture perfect, and it changed everything. Read more>>

Cheron Hamner

I’ve been an entrepreneur in the beauty industry for over 30 years, beginning as a hairstylist and quickly realizing that my work was never just about hair. It was about confidence, identity, and how women see themselves. I built my career specializing in textured hair and offering an intentional, one-on-one experience rooted in education, integrity, and real results. Read more>>

Ericka Wigfall

My story started at Emory University when I graduated from the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program in 2011. Since then I have worked for one of local hospital systems here in GA. In May of 2026, it will be 15 years as a DPT, which is wild to me! Read more>>

Jacobe Grant

It wasn’t a smooth road losing my dad during this time was Definitely one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced, and I was also starting college during COVID which made it hard to find work, so I was depending on financial aid and credit cards to get by & When I started tatting, I wasn’t making much. Even real estate wasn’t helping because it was commission based and my commission splits were so low, but moving back home and rebuilding I had a lot of people that were supportive so i was able to stay consistent, and that definitely helped me grow. Read more>>

Chris Turner

TriFactor began in 2015 in the basement of a small church in Hiram, GA, where nine students and I gathered with nothing more than a whiteboard, curiosity, and a shared desire to grow. I was asked by my aunt and pastor, Karen Dones, to step in and lead the church’s youth department. What started as a call to serve quickly became a calling to build—though at the time, I didn’t yet have language for what we were creating. Read more>>