It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around Atlanta.
Kadeem Theking
I’m a YouTuber that’s from Michigan check out my YouTube channel @ Kadeem Theking Read more>>
Johnece Smith
My story started at an early age. Around middle school, I began noticing that people naturally came to me to talk about their problems, their lives, and the things they were trying to make sense of. I would listen, reflect, and offer advice or intuitive insight, and it quickly became clear to me that this was something I was meant to do. Read more>>
Camisha Butler
My entry into fiber art has been unorthodox but deeply intuitive. I have sewn for most of my life, first making clothing for myself at the age of 12 and later earning a Master’s degree in Fashion Design, where I discovered fashion theory and the cultural power of style and textiles. Read more>>
Frankie Henry
I was born in Atlanta to a Caribbean family, and from an early age I was surrounded by technology and problem-solving. My dad worked in computer engineering in the military, and watching how he approached systems, logic, and innovation naturally pushed me toward computer science. That curiosity turned into something more serious once I got to college. Read more>>
Nolana Murray-Bibbs, M.Ed.
Grants and More was established in 2012 with a simple goal which was to help nonprofits and small businesses access the resources they need to grow and make a meaningful impact. Read more>>
Heather Dean Frost
I’ve been in real estate for over a decade. No big master plan, just a natural pull toward helping people make big decisions without losing their minds. I started my career on the Nest Team, now UrbanNest, where I was lucky to be mentored by some truly great agents like Kerry Lucas, Jamier Walzer, and Lynne Garton. Read more>>
Jamie Perry
My journey to become a psychotherapist has been relatively straight forward. I was always attracted to the idea of practicing psychotherapy as it seemed like a chance to live a meaningful life and to be of assistance to anyone at any stage in their journey. In particular, private practice work stood out to me most. Read more>>
Melody McLaurin
I started drawing in 4th Grade. I initially wanted to be a photographer, but my family was too poor to get me a camera and with 5 siblings, I’m sure they were worried that one of us would break it or it would go missing. So instead, I shifted to pencil and paper. It was free and so were internet tutorials. Read more>>
Nelum Walker
I moved to Georgia from Tennessee in 2017. My husband and I were juggling 4 kids while working full time jobs. When I moved to Georgia, I decided I was going to look for a job that fit the life I needed to spend more time with my family, versus a specific type of job. That is how I was introduced to palliative care. Read more>>
Dr. Matt Reuschle PT, DPT
GoTherex started in 2019 while I was doing clinical rotations for my Doctor in Physical Therapy from Augusta University. I had been inspired by private practice physical therapists Danna Matta, Aaron LeBauer, and Jarod Carter. They had created fee-for-service clinics outside of the insurance network that allowed them to deliver better patient care, and to improve their work-life balance. Read more>>
LeVar Rhea
I began my journey to become a barber in February 2019. Prior to this, I was at a stand still and had no real direction in my life. My dad, Tyrone Bachman master barber encouraged me to consider barbering as a career. I knew that God had more in store for my life. So with the support of my family, I enrolled into barber school. Read more>>
Tammy Bowe-LaCroix
I was on track for law school. That was the plan. I was working, selling luxury real estate and about to enroll in my final semester of college. I had received a conditional acceptance into law school contingent on completing that last semester but my life, however, had other plans, and it changed very quickly. Read more>>
Dr. Sharon Mason-Love
My story really starts with survival and love. I became a tax professional over 20 years ago during a season where I was trying to figure life out—not just for myself, but for my children. I needed stability, and I needed answers. What I didn’t realize at the time was that learning taxes would eventually give me both. Read more>>
Garland Paynther
My name is garland paynther from toledo Ohio. I move to Atlanta in 2022 from Charlotte North Carolina what originally brought me here was work. Read more>>
Ren Alcide
I’d say my story starts with a younger (13 year old) me who had a big passion for theater and anything art-related. I grew up mainly doing sports and athletic endeavors per my parents request, however, I had always had a love for theater and film. Read more>>
Paige Merritt
Paige is the youngest of four sisters, all of whom are actors. Growing up surrounded by creativity and performance, being in front of the camera felt natural to her. When she was just two or three years old, Paige confidently told her family that she wanted to be on TV. Read more>>
Vishwa Patel
My story is one of identity exploration. I’ve lived in seven cities across three countries and often felt like an outsider, but in a good way. That in-between feeling taught me how to observe people, adapt quickly, and tell stories that connect. I was born and raised in Ahmedabad, India. Read more>>
KATHLEEN TAYLOR
My first love was a new box of crayons and a clean sheet of drawing paper. A blank white page and a sharp pencil still makes me happy. I started drawing as a preschooler and haven’t stopped. Making art, when the process is flowing, can be a magical experience. My art career began in corporate design as an illustrator/designer for children’s wear and toy manufacturers. Read more>>
Vickie Poole
I’ve been a hairstylist for over 30 years, and I loved it. I was genuinely happy doing hair—connecting with people, hearing their stories, and watching how something as simple as feeling good about yourself could change your whole day. In a way, I’ve always been in the confidence business… I just didn’t call it that yet. Over time though, I became a yo-yo dieter. Read more>>
ZANANDI Aka Desmyn Spady
I am Zanandi. I am a big ole ball of energy and much more! I help people grow in business, music, and life—it’s who I am. Raised the eldest of eight and homeschooled, leadership and self-reliance were instilled early. I started young, trading poems and songwriting for small wins, which sparked my lifelong passion for music and creativity. Read more>>
Betzalel Levin
At Sapir Realty we specialize in Atlanta property management tasks such as helping our clients manage single-family rental homes throughout all of Metro Atlanta. No portfolio is too big or small. Read more>>
Changyu Zou
I started my creative path with a strong interest in visual storytelling and experimental image-making, which led me to pursue formal training in illustration. During graduate school, I focused on developing a distinctive abstract and collage-driven style while learning how to translate conceptual ideas into clear visual narratives. Read more>>
Joyia Wilder
I was born and raised in Neptune, New Jersey. After graduating high school my family and I moved to Georgia. It was definitely a bit of a culture shock for me. I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do in life-pursue a career or possibly college. Read more>>
MoeBank888
I was born in Medellín, Colombia, and grew up between cultures, with my formative years spent in Gwinnett County, just outside of Atlanta. Being raised in that environment meant being closely connected to the cultural energy of Atlanta, which played a significant role in shaping my musical perspective early on. Read more>>
Jai Gibson
I originally started my career off being an educator teaching 5th grade. I saw kids was uninterested in learning a particular subject, the Boston Tea Party. I began to incorporate technology which allowed them to create a breaking news segment about the Boston Tea Party, they create digital brochures, a powerpoint, and a digital art drawing. Read more>>
Kerren Berz
First of all, if it weren’t for my public school music program and the dedicated teachers who mentored me, I probably wouldn’t have the career I have today! I picked violin in 5th grade and fell in love with it. That led to degrees in Music Education and Violin Performance from the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga and Florida State University, with additional studies at Boston University. Read more>>
Jessie Murray
I am a videographer from Clayton County. I started my journey to videography as a hobby. It was something enjoyable I did to create content for myself and others. Throughout the journey, I realized that this was more than a hobby. This is a talent that God has blessed me with. Read more>>
NeKeysha Anderson
I’ve been drawing since the day I can remember. Having a pencil in my hand has always felt right. I was known for gettin in trouble because I would either doodle on the desks or on some parts of my clothes (I was going to be a fashion designer). Read more>>
Sam Calhoun
It truly all started with Smash Mouth’s ‘All-Star’, no joke. I used to listen to that song all the time as a kid and i loved it so much i sought out the CD at my local library. Read more>>
Steven Serrano
i started back in 2000 , never had plan to be a dj. but thanks to some friends they got me hooked. if it wasnt for them i would never be where i am today. And we still continue to work together as a ‘family’. so as time went on i practiced and practiced… Read more>>
TiAna Willis
When I was younger, I was always surrounded by music. My dad would sing and play instruments in his studio, and he’d let me sing along with him, while he played the guitar. Read more>>
Claudia Baron Smart
I have worked in Commercial and Residential Real Estate since year 2003 my first deal was at 24 years old I sold 144 units in clearwater Florida. I have a Georgia and Florida real estate license . I was top producer in Homesmart year 2024 I love working with buyer sellers and agents and everyone else who is involved in all of my transactions. Read more>>
Diana Bui
My story begins on Buford Highway. I am a child of Vietnamese and Chinese immigrant and refugee parents who met in Atlanta after the Vietnam War and raised our family in Doraville, Georgia. Growing up in one of the region’s most vibrant immigrant communities, cultural exchange was a way of life. Read more>>
Antwanette (Anne) Dailey
Leap Forward Autism Services started from my background as a teacher and my work supporting children with autism and their families in real-life settings, especially in daycares, homes and schools. I saw how difficult it was for families to get consistent support where it actually mattered most, and how many parents felt overwhelmed trying to navigate services on their own. Read more>>
Dr. Charlie McAdoo II
My story is rooted in service, community, and a belief that purpose is revealed through consistency, not applause. I was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of a Methodist pastor and a special education preschool teacher. From an early age, I was immersed in faith, service, and advocacy, learning that success is never individual, it is communal. Read more>>
Amanda Tiruwuha
This initiative began after covid, when my sister and I faced the loss of family due to Alhzeimer’s. To cope, we did 2 things: 1. singing and listening to our favorite songs non stop 2. researching neurodegeneration deeper to really understand what happened Singing and research really helped comfort us with what happened. Read more>>
Honton Valerio
Well, the biggest sacrifice I made was leaving my hometown Houston, Texas to come to Atlanta to pursue acting. I know that it wasn’t gonna be easy, but I knew that I was gonna put into work. Read more>>
Chare’a Diggs
The beauty industry has been my passion since childhood. While other kids in school wanted to be doctors and lawyers, doing hair was never a question for me. Raised in my father’s barbershop while also visiting the salon with my mom every week the love of hair was built early on. Read more>>
Dr.Jaketra Bryant
I was never the quiet, unquestioning child people assumed I was. I was deeply curious—always asking why, always pushing against answers that didn’t make sense to me. Even when I was protected, I didn’t accept protection as truth. I felt restricted, not because I lacked agency, but because I wasn’t given the language or space to live out what I already sensed about myself. Read more>>
Carmen Bessant
I started in 2012 as an intern at a community mental health center operated by a church. I stayed with them for 4 1/2 years, and when they closed, I didn’t know what to do. I prayed and was reminded that if God started it, He will complete it. I was sitting on my couch, worried, and a text came through about an opportunity. Read more>>
PK Iman
I’m originally from Iran (PK stands for Persian King to show love to where I come from), but I moved to Atlanta when I was around 5 years old. The first time I was really introduced to hip-hop was in 5th grade, and it was to bedrock by Young Money. Through that, I started diving a lot deeper into rap. Read more>>
Brock Isbell
I grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas as a punk kid who cared way more about skateboarding than homework. Like a lot of skaters, I fell in love with filming—mostly skate videos at first, then comedy skits with friends once we realized a camera could turn boredom into something creative. That camera flipped a switch for me early. Read more>>
Magenta Shanks
I was born in Berlin, Germany, and my life changed early. When I was five years old, I was removed from my home and brought to the United States. That experience shaped my understanding of instability, resilience, and adaptation long before I had the words for it. Read more>>
Terry B
Fire Proof 1 Records & Southern Soul Artist Terry B Sign Six-Figure Strategic Partnership with Level Up Media Group **Memphis, TN —** Fire Proof 1 Records and Southern Soul recording artist **Terry B** have officially announced a **six-figure strategic partnership deal with Level Up Media Group**, marking a major milestone in Terry B’s expanding career and brand. Read more>>
Jessica Roberts
My life changed the moment I realized my past did not disqualify me from purpose—it prepared me for it. What once felt like my greatest setback ultimately became the foundation for my calling, leadership, and voice. I am the author of Triumphant: One Woman’s Journey from Prison to Purpose, a memoir that reflects my personal transformation and the lessons gained through adversity. Read more>>
Christopher Slap Davis
I transition from an artist to an actor around summer of 2019. Now known for roles in independent films, TV shows and movies, with several projects listed from 2021-2026, and I will continue to elevate my position in the industry. Giving back to my community is very important to me; much expected from a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. SLAP the Actor, I wants to keep God first, work hard and be a true role model and inspiration to all! Read more>>
Tara Johnson
I began my career as a school psychologist in 2006, with a passion for helping children and teens reach their full potential—no matter what diagnosis or disability they may have. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with students with learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, and mood or behavioral disorders. Read more>>
Alyse Benchia-Reilly
Hi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? I started making jewelry for myself and loved ones as a way to uplift. Just like clothes, jewelry is a way to shift your mood from down and out to up and bright! Read more>>
diane benatar
Until I got to know my late husband Morris I had never heard of Crohn’s Disease ot Ulcerative Colitis. Over time I was ‘forced’ to realize what a painful, ugly disease he had. Read more>>
Nola Po Boi
NOLA Po Boi, the New Orleans-bred hip-hop powerhouse with deep roots in Southern culture, is setting the streets ablaze again with his brand-new single “Again” featuring Juney Knotzz, one of Money Man’s rising stars. Read more>>
Aantray
I go by Aantray! I was raised in the south side of Atlanta on Old National. I didn’t grow up with many friends and I’m an only child. I came from an a household of two parents that spoiled me with infinite love. Read more>>
Jodessiah Sumpter
My path into technology wasn’t a straight line—it was driven by curiosity and a desire to build things that actually help people. I started out as a hands-on technologist, working in software and digital platforms, but very quickly found myself being asked to lead, translate, and connect the dots between vision and execution. Read more>>
Fabian Zywiol Artur Dykiel
DUO DARKNESS a project that came to the foundation in 2019. Our performance is based on the Hand to Hand and Aerial Straps presentation. A powerful and professional acrobatic performance on the stage for all kind of audience. The Production was developed from a lot of passion and created by Fabian Zywiol and Artur Dykiel. Read more>>
Danielle Tucker
My Name is Danielle Tucker. I am the owner/operator of a small 501c3 called Restoration Farm/Tuck Prostate Cancer Foundation, Inc. My husband Jason and I started this nonprofit during his 1 1/2 year battle with advanced prostate cancer. He unfortunately passed away 7 years ago on December 1st. (2018) His battle was incredibly painful. Read more>>
Jeanne Rollins
I’ve always the the magic of the holiday season and began my journey working in a Christmas decor wholesale showroom at the Atlanta Market Center. When my son John was born in 2005, I wanted to be home more and was inspired to start my own business decorating homes for the holidays- mixing passion with practicality as a mother of 2 young boys. Read more>>
Shea Stephens
I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1988. From an early age, I was drawn to the arts, though I was a timid and withdrawn child. I struggled with a severe stutter and was deeply internal with my voice. For a long time, speaking felt nearly impossible. Communication was difficult, but expression was not. Read more>>
Mena Norman
I have always had a passion for helping others and a strong work ethic, values shaped early in my life by two extraordinary women: my grandmother and my mother. Although my grandmother passed away when I was young, the stories shared about her life reflect a woman who gave selflessly and supported countless people in her community. Read more>>
Rodney Moore
The reason I started this non profit organization is because I watch my dad struggle buying his medication. I was too young to realize, watching my grandparents picking up cans on the side of road for money. Then when I ran for state representative here in Georgia, I realized it was not only my family but many others. Read more>>
Jessie Alfieri
I graduated with Honors from Georgia State University, earning a BFA in Interior Design. After college, I worked with several architectural firms, where I gained invaluable experience in project management, construction coordination, and client relations—a foundation that continues to inform the way I approach every project today. Read more>>
A15Xx
There’s no such thing as us only you everyone is nearly a duplicate of you with different features and feelings like Naruto and his shadow clones. Last it’s genuinely depressing to have the lenses on your face and they become apart of you but your still stuck with feelings which at the end there’s no point in having them which Im experiencing myself there’s no me. Read more>>
Bill Chafin
My story isn’t a straight line; it’s a transformation. Back in 2000, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, and that moment fundamentally changed me. In the months that followed, I lost my vision completely for five months and lived in total darkness, battling Optic Neuritis. The swelling of the optic nerve is what caused my vision loss, but later allowed my vision to return. Read more>>
Bianca Gouch
My journey has been shaped by both purpose and perseverance. I founded Bridge Builders Family and Children Services out of a deep desire to support children and families navigating trauma, loss, and instability. With a background in social work and public health, I’ve always felt called to serve vulnerable populations in a way that is both compassionate and structured. Read more>>
WHITNEY LYONS
My name is Dr. Whitney ‘Elle’ Lyons and I am a Gulf Coast Mississippi native who moved to Georgia after Hurricane Katrina. While in MS, I was always enamored with the idea of a career in healthcare. The amalgamation of science and service to the community was intriguing to me. Read more>>
Lang Nguyen
I have been in the nail business for many years with 4 locations in Georgia. Read more>>
Jayvon Williams
August 23rd, 2001. The year I was born (Fun Fact: Kobe Bryant and I have the same birthday), my name is Jayvon Ramone Williams, and I’m from Albany, GA, but now I stay in Fayetteville, GA. Went to Kennesaw State University for my Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree in Marketing (Minor: Entrepreneurship) and the Co-Founder of ‘Panurgic’! Read more>>
Raymond Rolle
I started my career by taking on roles that required adaptability, responsibility, and strong problem-solving skills. Early on, I learned the value of showing up consistently, learning quickly, and being willing to take ownership even when the situation was challenging. Those experiences helped shape my work ethic and taught me how important communication, accountability, and teamwork are in any environment. Read more>>
Maria McCoy
When I was a teenager living in Florida, a local service similar to Safe Spaces Georgia was located in my home town. I always appreciated that there was a place families could go for this type of support. Since that time, I have dreamed of being able to open my own center. Read more>>
Elyse Yang
Before starting Elyse Living Interiors, I worked as an attorney for large law firms for almost ten years both in Atlanta and Chicago. Read more>>
Rhea Zerr-Shepard
In 2007 I graduated with a Bachelors in Fine Arts. I entered the workforce as an artist during an economic recession; I realized my ability to provide for myself and a potential family was at risk due to the lack of employment opportunities. I worked in multiple positions making ends meet, one of which was as a substitute teacher. Read more>>
Cesar Wurm
I was born and raised in Brazil, and I carry a lot of pride in where I come from — the culture, the grit, the warmth, and the belief that you keep going even when life gets heavy. That foundation shaped me early: work hard, stay resilient, take care of people, and find a way forward. Read more>>
Mhorgan Cooper-Stephens
My story is not a straight line. It is a faith story, a health story, a marriage story, and a becoming story all woven together. It is the kind of story where you learn that survival is not always loud. Sometimes it looks like choosing hope again when you are tired. Read more>>
Mehrdad Saadat
I manage a 5 doctor 25+ staff eyecare facility. I am known for being kind, caring, and thorough with my patients. I have found diseases that other doctors in other health care areas have missed or not thought of. Im unsure of what this is truly for and how this is to go. My history is pretty deep and to put it here in 1 statement seems a bit difficult Read more>>
Jonathan Gosse
My journey with service and nonprofit work began more than 30 years ago. I grew up in Wisconsin, attended a small liberal arts college in Minnesota (go Gusties), and started what I thought would be a traditional professional career. Read more>>
Bradford Wynn
I’m a proud graduate of Hampton University, where I earned both my Bachelor’s degree and my MBA. That foundation shaped how I think about leadership, operations, and what it takes to build something that lasts. Professionally, I started my career at Accenture as a Management Consultant. Read more>>
Sarah Jordan
I’ve always been someone who strives for greatness both personally and professionally. While that resulted in lofty ambitions and a lengthy to do list that never ended, that often led me feeling unfulfilled professionally. I originally began my career in education and, while I loved teaching, I knew that a lifetime teaching career would not be for me. Read more>>
Terra Trofort
In 2002, I left my position in the public school system with a vision—to bring language and cultural education to children who otherwise had little to no access. As an inspiring entrepreneur and single mom with no investors and limited resources, I built my company on determination, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to my mission. Read more>>
Dr. Sybil Ingram
How I started and how I got to where I am today, from deep in the windowless laboratories of hospitals to being an Executive Advisor to multiple companies and owning my own professional services practice, was definitely not what I envisioned or planned, but it’s been quite an interesting journey to say the least. Many twists and turns spanning 40 years. Read more>>
Valari Boston
I didn’t reinvent myself in a boardroom—I did it at 30,000 feet. After my divorce, survival became the immediate objective. Financial pressure and the quiet weight of an unfulfilled life forced a reckoning: remain defined by what had ended, or choose who I would become next. Read more>>
J.T. Lee
J.T. started teaching lessons when he was still in college back in 2010. He was combining his love with Music with his love for mentorship and raising up the next generation of musicians. He spent the next 10 to 15 years working for different lessons, companies, all while learning how to successfully do lessons with students in 2024. Read more>>
Mikiel Arnold
The Freakin Incan: A Story Rooted in Heritage, Flavor, Family, and Risk I was born in Trujillo, Peru, to a Peruvian mother and an American father. In 1985, when I was six years old, my family moved to the United States. While I grew up far from Peru, the culture—and especially the food—never left me. Read more>>
Grace Hitchcock
My journey with HOTWORX began in 2019 when I joined as a member while studying at The University of Alabama. I’ve always been passionate about health and wellness and was primarily running at the time, but I knew I needed to cross-train to build strength and protect my joints. Read more>>
Rena Brown
I was born in the Midwest, grew up on the west coast then moved down south. When I was in the 11th grade I took a fitness training class that gave me the passion to be a massage therapist. I graduated in 2002 from Manual High School in Denver Colorado, then moved to Atlanta Georgia where I attended Atlanta Metropolitan College. Read more>>
Cindy Bowden
The Chipley Historical Center is a regional history museum locate in Pine Mountain Georgia. located at 146 N McDougald Ave . Telephone: (706) 663-4044. Our email is: info@chipleyhistoriccenter.org Our permanent exhibitions include: Prehistoric area, where we display artifacts as early as 15,000 – 9,000 B.P. from the Pine Mountain area. Our exhibition features early tools used for hunting and early pottery. Read more>>
Liz Jahl
I started my photography journey with a deep love for storytelling and human connection. What began as a creative outlet quickly grew into a passion for documenting real moments in a way that felt timeless, emotional, and honest. Read more>>
Meka Carey
Meka Carey is an emerging stand-up comedian celebrated for her honest and relatable humor, which is deeply rooted in her personal life experiences. She embarked on her comedy journey in 2012, making her debut at a charity event focused on breast cancer awareness. After taking a break, she made a triumphant return to the stage in 2022, motivated by her entrepreneurial achievements. Read more>>
Christine McMillan
I started out as a cosmetologist, doing what I loved and building close relationships with my clients. Over time, I kept noticing the same patterns showing up, thinning hair, scalp irritation, shedding, texture changes, things that clearly went deeper than just hair. Read more>>
Brandon Young
After graduating, Brandon worked briefly at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions before beginning a six-year career at Burns & McDonnell, where he managed large-scale energy transmission and infrastructure projects. During this time, he also completed a master’s degree in construction engineering management at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Read more>>
QP
It has definitely not been a smooth road. The road has been overloaded with bumps, hills and potholes. Financial issues, personal life issues, bad partnerships, technical difficulties, lack of support and haters. Read more>>
Rebel Nkem
This is where I immediately immersed myself into the creative scene. I began by working closely within creative environments using my many disciplines to get me in the door whether I was djing, media team, booking talent, and throwing events it didn’t matter I wanted to create and grow. I decided to spread my wings and move to Atlanta in 2021 and have been based here since. These experiences have allowed me to learn not only how moments come together, but why certain experiences linger long after they’re over. Read more>>
