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.

Pamela Bass-Patterson

With this being my 3rd day care business, I couldn’t understand what I was doing wrong. I had to step back and reaccess the situation. I had to realize I was not in California anymore and had to understand my new surroundings. Once I got my footing, I continued to enroll students, remaining full all these years with a waiting list. And, I am proud to say that I am still in touch with the very first student I enrolled. He is graduating from high school in a few months! Read more>>

Deborah Corrao

Her maternal grandparents owned a farm (Cedar Crest Farm) in Kentucky, giving her the experience of gardening and caring for livestock. John on the other hand, grow up in the suburbs of Long Island, New York! The common thread they shared from their first meeting was an interest in health and a respect for conservation of land. Read more>>

Amie Burke

When we first started, we typically offered one volunteer opportunity a quarter. Seven years later, we’re offering a minimum of one community service experience a month for kids of all ages to volunteer in the community. Additionally, we’re very proud and grateful to the many local businesses who love to volunteer at our bigger events, intermingling with the kids and helping create kindness for our community. Read more>>

Mindy Millington

After high school in Folkston GA, I enlisted in the Army at 17yrs old in 1989. My first duty station was located in Germany. Our unit was dispatched to Desert Shield / Storm at the end of 1990. My unit was with the group that stormed Kuwait from the Iraqi side. Read more>>

Olamide Michelle

I began my career as an attorney with a strong interest in creativity and culture. Early on, I noticed that many founders and artists were building powerful brands without fully understanding how to legally protect them. That gap became the foundation for OMI Legal. I built OMI Legal as a boutique intellectual property and brand protection practice focused on trademarks, contracts, and long-term brand strategy. Read more>>

Kia Chambers

My leadership journey is deeply connected to the evolution of Prestige Property Brokers and my entrance into the public service arena. We started as a small, independent brokerage right here in Columbus — built on faith, relationships, and a desire to serve our community well. In the early days, I wore every hat. I was the broker, marketer, trainer, encourager, and problem-solver. Read more>>

Jacqueleen Williams

I’m originally from a very small town in Ohio, but I was never meant to stay small. I’ve always been outspoken, expressive, and a little extra in the best way. Growing up, I was in speech and debate, choir, cheer, and dance team. If there was a stage, I was on it. Everyone back home knew I wasn’t going to be there long… and honestly? Read more>>

221B Con

221B Con began in 2013 during the height of BBC Sherlock, with four friends at a multi media convention who thought it would be a great idea to start their own convention. The first 221B Con hosted around 700 people. We are the largest Sherlock Holmes media convention in the world. Read more>>

Jassmine Riley

I grew up in a home full of love with my parents and older brother. My parents instilled the values of faith, family, and education, values I still hold today. My faith has carried me throughout every aspect of my life. From small-town life to city living, those values keep me grounded. Read more>>

Bryant Laursen

My wife, Katy Shotter (Ethel/Ethel Shotter) and I began doing live performances about 4 years ago in 2022. Katy and I met at the bar at Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead in 2018 and have been inseparable ever since! We’re now about to celebrate 6 years of being married, and looking forward to the best year of musical performances we’ve had up to this point. Read more>>

Teri Mez

I loved graphic design before I had a word for it. As a proud Millennial I grew up alongside the internet, the dawn of personal computers, the transition into digital imagery. Using KidPix and Microsoft PictureIt! I developed all the pre-Photoshop skills a kid could ask for, building personal and fan sites using Expage and Homestead. Read more>>

Dr. Ann MacDougall

Absolutely— I am a performing arts physical therapist with a specialization in dance medicine and hypermobility. I am a partner and the clinic director for Atlanta Dance Medicine (ADM) which is a highly-specialized PT practice dedicated to serving dancers, performing artists, and movers of all kinds. I also run my own personal business, Authentic Movement PT, providing in-house concierge physical therapy for select clients. Read more>>

Kenneth Sean

I’ve always believed that vision without execution is just a dream. My story is really about pairing vision with discipline, faith, and consistency. I started my career in marketing nearly two decades ago after earning my MBA in Marketing and a background in Corporate Communications. Read more>>

Ninotchka Freeman

After 16 successful years in the cellular industry as an employee, in 2001 I transitioned into entrepreneurship by launching my own Authorized Cellular Agency in middle Georgia. In 2007, I relocated my business to the Atlanta area, continuing to build and serve a growing client base. Read more>>

William Gaffney

The Dojo Karate Centers originally opened back in 1999 at its present location in Georgetown Shopping Center. The complex has changed, along with the businesses around them but nearly three decades later, The Dojo has become an iconic cornerstone of the Dunwoody community for youths and adults alike. Read more>>

Catarina Dubyk-Cassidy

I grew up in Key West, Florida, surrounded by water and constantly immersed in the natural world. Living on an island meant being aware of biodiversity, tides, storms, erosion, and growth. I spent a lot of time outside running, swimming, and exploring, and that physical relationship with the environment shaped how I understand systems and patterns. Read more>>

Bentley Gibson

I am the daughter of Black parents who came of age in the Civil Rights Movement. My father integrated his high school in Ocilla, Georgia. My mother integrated Harvard Medical School. I am the great-great-great-great-great granddaughter of enslaved people. This work is not just professional for me—it is ancestral. It is in my history. It is in my blood. Read more>>

Summer Chrissiana

I started ‘More Than Network’ with a vision to highlight stories, culture, and community through media. What began with interviews and event coverage quickly showed me that people don’t just want to be seen, they want an experience. That insight led me to expand into 360 Photo Booth services, where I create high-quality, shareable moments that go beyond the event itself. Read more>>

Meg Garavaglia

My name is Meg Garavaglia and I’m the Founder of Woven Legal and now serve as Vice President. I began working in the legal industry in 2008, selling e-Discovery and litigation support services in Atlanta, and over the years I got a front-row seat to the pressures attorneys face and how hard it can be to find reliable support. Read more>>

James Gannon

I’ve always been an artist even as a kid. I was obsessed with graffiti and tattoos even at a young age. I rarely did actual classwork in school, instead I mainly just drew in class. Read more>>

Dana Vincent

I’ve always loved reading. My parents would probably say it was my first love. But, over time, the hustle and bustle of life had taken a toll on my freedom to read for pleasure. I didn’t have the time or energy to read for enjoyment when there was always something new to research or learn about that would impact my work. Read more>>

Carolina Perez Jimenez

I am originally from Colombia, and I moved to Atlanta in 2017 with the goal of building a better future and growing professionally. In 2019, I began my journey in the roofing industry when a local roofing company gave me the opportunity to learn from the ground up. Read more>>

Alicia The Band

Alicia the Band is a group of Tijuana natives who love to rock! The band is made up of Adrian on bass, Eduardo “Mascarita” on guitar and vocals, Oscar “Viejo Lobo” on drums, and Cosme on saxophone. Each member started their musical journey at a young age in Tijuana and San Diego. Read more>>

Justin Sanders

I’ll make it short. I started playing the drums at 4years old. I started playing for the church at 7. From about 16-22 I toured around the us playing drums for gospel groups. Around 23 I started dj’n for frats and house parties. Soon moved to clubs. Around 26 I started producing and engineering. Then moved to ATL to further my music. Read more>>

Caitlin Thomas

In many ways, Cartersville Living was born during a threshold season in my life. The year before I launched the magazine had reshaped me. After years of caregiving for my grandfather and navigating personal loss within my extended family, I found myself rebuilding physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It was a season that stripped life down to essentials and clarified what truly mattered. Read more>>

Teresa S. Edwards

My Story: Teresa S. Edwards I’ve always been a builder. I just didn’t always know what I was building. I started writing because I needed somewhere to put the truth. Not the polished, corporate-approved version of it but the real, raw, and rugged truth. Articles of Life, Unbreakable, Check Your Truth and other books that followed weren’t about becoming an author. Read more>>

Lindsay Hartmann

My photography journey started in high school with a darkroom class that I loved. In college, I worked for the school newspaper as staff photographer then photo editor while occasionally photographing for the city paper as well. I loved photo journalism and capturing sports. I worked for the Atlanta Gladiators hockey team for a few years through college and after. Read more>>

Kim Scofi

United Military Care. Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting U.S. military Veterans and their families across the state of Georgia. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Marietta, the organization exists to ensure that Veterans receive the care, resources, and community support they need to thrive in life following military service. Read more>>

Rebekah Enoch

I have always been a people person and a storyteller. However, my career until recently had me working on advocacy and communications in the human rights space. Since the start of my career I very much identified myself as a human rights advocate and to be honest, I never thought that would change. Read more>>

Natalie Camp

I started my photography and videography journey in 2019 with my husband, focusing on weddings. I began as a second shooter while also training myself to improve my photography editing skills. I still remember our very first wedding. It was fast-paced and nerve-wracking, nothing like I had imagined. That experience taught me the importance of organization, preparation, and understanding the business side of creative work. Read more>>

Dequilla Koonce

God Always provides for the child who has their own. I ask God to send me idea and after I was granted the ideas God provided everything I needed for my business. Some may not understand but if faith has carry you on your business journey than you know exactly what I’m talking about. Read more>>

Heidi Albrecht

“Your job is now in New Jersey.” That’s what my boss said during our 1:1. And while he was talking about opportunity, growth, and transition… all I could think was, “But it’s cold there.” My kids are Georgia-born. I’m a South Florida girl. My husband, being from Upstate NY, wasn’t about to move back up north. Read more>>

Gabriela Matute

My professional journey began in journalism. I built an award-winning career in television, working in both Venezuela and the United States, including several formative years at CNN en Español. Journalism shaped me profoundly—it taught me how to listen deeply, communicate with clarity, and understand the real challenges facing our communities. It also gave me a platform to tell stories that matter. Read more>>

Erskine C. Johnson III

My journey has been one of triumph over adversity and a testament to the power of passion and purpose. I’m a Country/Hood Carolina kid from Bucksport, South Carolina, and from an early age my life was marked by resilience. I survived a life-threatening asthma attack and pneumonia, experiences that, though challenging, helped set the foundation for the path I would ultimately walk. Read more>>

Shae Sankofa

My journey into the world of home health care began in a place deeply rooted in faith and service. Growing up in a Christian household, with my father and grandmother both serving as pastors, I learned early on the values of strength, resilience, and the importance of helping others. These teachings became the foundation for my life and career. Read more>>

Gregory Goad

In 2016, my wife Lauren and I moved back from Big Sky, Montana, and it was at that point a dear friend asked what i would do for work. I told him I’m not sure I’ve done all kinds of stuff, and frankly i am not too worried about finding work. Read more>>

Jaymal Muzik

My story? Shit, it’s been a ride from day one. I grew up always around music — it was in the house, in the streets, in my damn DNA. I was hearing beats, watching people perform, and feeling that energy before I even knew I could make a career out of it. Read more>>

Aaron Lee

Mason’s Bagels began with a passion for authentic New York bagels. Since 2002, we have been developing and refining our bagel recipes in Port Washington, New York, building our business on tradition, craftsmanship, and consistency. After establishing ourselves in New York and successfully expanding into Korea, we gained valuable experience not only in recipe development but also in international brand growth. Read more>>

Todd Coble

I grew up in a rural part of North Carolina east of Charlotte in a blue collar family. I was truly a child of the ’80s and of the South. Pop/rock music, long afternoons with friends, and hot summer nights with no air conditioning defined my adolescent and teenage years. Read more>>

Paulina Ophelia Sophie

I was born and raised in Munich, Germany, but I grew up dreaming in English. From an early age, I was drawn to cinema and storytelling — especially performances that felt raw, human, and emotionally fearless. I didn’t just want to watch stories unfold; I wanted to live inside them. Read more>>

Blakley Leonard

I’ve always been a gear head since I was a kid. For some of us, the obsession with cars is not something we grow out of. The idea of being able to work with the cars I’m passionate about on a daily basis and alongside the people who share that same passion was a dream. Read more>>

CARLOS PARKER

From Jacksonville Roots to Atlanta Flavor: The Story Behind The Crab Traphouse Born and raised in Jacksonville, Carlos Parker grew up on blue crabs, garlic butter, and the unmistakable taste of authentic coastal seafood. In Jacksonville, seafood isn’t just food — it’s culture. It’s family gatherings, backyard boils, late nights cracking shells, and recipes passed down with pride. Read more>>

Jasmine Nove

I was 17, starting my Freshman year of college at NAU in Flagstaff, Arizona, when I came across a TikTok about social media management! I was already making the drive from Flagstaff to Phoenix nearly every weekend, and the idea of turning that into something productive/a way for me to continue editing videos and designing like I did in high school really appealed to me. Read more>>

Kim Carlos

The Plus SideZ Podcast was born out of lived experience during a moment when the conversation around obesity and GLP-1 medications was exploding. In the summer of 2022, as interest in GLP-1 treatments surged across the country, I began sharing my own experience navigating obesity and metabolic disease on TikTok. What started as a few honest videos quickly grew into a large following. Read more>>

Olandus “Odus” Smith

I started in 2019, finding myself deep diving into runways shows, fabric and product research, designing and ran with it. After having my best friend teach me how to sew things became natural and fluent where I could fully grasp ideas and bring the to life! Memories of November speaks about that moment when you find freedom in your heart and mind. Read more>>

Magen Wright

Honestly, it sounds so silly but I started my journey and got to where I am today by following my heart. I always trust, flow and know that all is well, and it is. It’s really that simple. Once you do those things, you’ll go where you’re meant to, your path will light up before you and life will become magical. Read more>>

Lauren Dike

On paper, my career looked successful. I was a professional athlete, then moved into real estate investment management and later diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting, working inside high-performance environments where pressure was constant and expectations were high. But internally, I felt chronically anxious, exhausted, and disconnected from myself. Read more>>

Sarah Shank

My name is Sarah, but many also know me as Sam, I’m currently a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design(SCAD) Atlanta campus for concept design and publication. Read more>>

D’Nario and Angel Walton

Our journey began in high school, where my husband and I met and subsequently married. We each owned businesses, which we then integrated. D’Nario oversees our landscaping division, while I manage the janitorial services. We are deeply committed to our work and strive for excellence in every interaction, consistently exceeding expectations. Read more>>

Shane Lucas

My background is rooted in fitness and performance, which is what initially drew me to Project LeanNation. I’ve always been passionate about training, community, and helping people push themselves physically but I realized quickly that nutrition is the foundation that makes everything else work. Read more>>

Danielle Southern

I’ve been a dietitian for the past eight years, partially because I’ve always loved how food connects people. In my private practice Southern Nutrition, I help adults who feel stuck in the cycle of dieting, food guilt, and body image frustration find a peaceful and sustainable relationship with food and movement. Running has also played a large role in my background. Read more>>

Rachel P.

My background is in dietetics, and I’ve always been passionate about bringing together really good food and high-quality nutrition. I’ve never believed that healthy eating should feel restrictive or boring. I believe it should be beautiful, satisfying, and made with thoughtful ingredients. Read more>>

Dana Yarn

Like most entrepreneurs I had a vision- I wanted to create a safe and fun place for people to work out and strive to be their best self. I knew that our community would benefit from a small business, fitness boutique specifically focusing on Pilates, Yoga, barre and strength training modalities of fitness. Read more>>

Robbie Matley

I started the band in 2019 as a solo project. At the time, it was simply an outlet — a way to process thoughts and experiences I couldn’t say unless it was through music. I’ve always sung and played guitar, and songwriting became the most honest form of expression I had. Read more>>

Kaitlin Morgan

I always knew I was meant to be a hairstylist. From the moment I got my cosmetology license, owning my own salon was the dream. I spent years working for other salon owners, learning everything I could and building my skills and clientele. Read more>>

Scarlet Hao

I grew up surrounded by Asian visual culture, from traditional ink paintings and calligraphy to the dramatic color and symbolism of Chinese opera costumes. As a child, I did not see art as a hobby. It felt like a language. Read more>>

TC

I started FlickzbyTC from resilience, purpose, and a vision bigger than photography. From a young scholar in middle school, I always knew I was destined to become the CEO of my own business; I just didn’t know what that business would be. Read more>>

King Delph

⸻ My name is King Delph. I’m originally from New York City, and I moved to North Carolina during college. That’s where my entrepreneurial journey really began. I opened my first restaurant in Raleigh, North Carolina — a bar and grill called Smoking Grooves Bar & Grill. It was my first real leap into combining my passions for food, culture, and community. Read more>>

Mike Cobb

I started writing at a very young age. Stories came naturally to me, and I’ve always had the instinct to put things on paper. That said, writing wasn’t my full-time focus for most of my life. My education and career were in science. I trained as a scientist and spent decades working in research, product development, entrepreneurship, and consulting. Read more>>

Ishbel Melendez

My business idea began when I was finishing my singing degree. While still interested in the conventional music carreer paths, having something of my own that didn’t rely on conventional platforms and gatekeepers was really important to me. Read more>>

Lil Vyl

Hip-Hop and I found each other very early on through introductions via my mom or two uncles I credit with peaking my interests. It just compounded through my own research and exposure through experiences. Prior to ATL’s notorious Trap sound, New York style rap music played a major role in my love and I became a student of the game. Read more>>

Kara Horton

I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t creating something. It started with drawing as a child, but over the years, it expanded into different forms of art and craft. Creativity has always been part of my identity. I’ve always loved experimenting with different forms of art and craftsmanship. Read more>>

Princess Elmore

My journey has truly been one of faith, persistence, and purpose. I’ve always had a love for storytelling and performance, and I knew from a young age that I had a calling in this industry. That passion began with school plays, church performances, and singing in the choir, and eventually grew into participating in local stage productions and touring live performances. Read more>>

Natalie Moore

My journey into adventure elopement photography started with my own love for the outdoors long before it became a business. I chose to move to Colorado because I wanted to be close to the mountains. Having snowboarding within driving distance while I was in college felt like a dream, and that decision shaped everything that followed. Read more>>

Kellye Jones

After six consecutive Fridays of doctor and emergency room visits, I sat across from a physician who told me, “I don’t know how to help you. We’re waiting for your aneurysm to rupture.” Weeks earlier, while preparing a lesson, I felt crushing pressure in my head and blurred vision. A scan revealed a 4-centimeter aneurysm. Within six weeks, it grew to nine. Read more>>

SARAH OMODELE

My journey to creating Unlayered Health & Wellness really started through years of caring for patients and seeing a pattern that I couldn’t ignore. Read more>>

Maria Alejandra Hernandez

My journey began with the founding of Alibombo, an art and design studio based in Miami, Florida. What started as a passion for visual storytelling has evolved into a multi-disciplinary creative business. Today, Alibombo focuses on high-end branding and the creation of digital products and resources available on global platforms like Etsy and Adobe Stock. Read more>>

Beth Hughes

At a young age I was obsessed with reading product labels and pitting things in jars. I love jars. And I love reading about products for women – That gave way to flipping through magazines, gawking at entrepreneur’s on the pages somehow Knowing I could be one of them. Read more>>

Mark Spivak

After relocating from California to Georgia, I acquired a German Shepherd puppy and started taking dog training classes. I became intoxicated with the activity. Read more>>

April Culver CCHt.

My journey to becoming a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and book author has been both heartfelt and intentional. I began my professional path in structured corporate environments, where I developed discipline, organization, and a strong sense of responsibility. While I valued that experience, I always felt called to do work that connected more deeply with people’s personal growth and emotional well-being. Read more>>

David Wright

Dr. David Wright’s holistic practices are based in Atlanta, GA (Sandy Springs/Roswell), and he has a diverse academic background with degrees in medicine, healthcare management, healthcare law and policy, and healthcare administration. Dr. Read more>>

Selma Botvinik

Hi! I’m Selma, and I’m the 17-year-old founder of LUNA Farm and Sanctuary. I started LUNA when I was just 12 years old with a simple goal: help animals that had nowhere else to go. What began as small-scale rescue work from just inside my home has grown into a multi-species rescue group and rehabilitation effort. Read more>>

Shane Braswell

We started our business during the COVID pandemic, and honestly, it wasn’t some big master plan at first. It started with family. I’m a family man first. I’ve got five kids. At the time, my wife was working in education and I was an inside wireman with Southern Company. When COVID hit, her school was one of the first to shut down. Read more>>

Pragya Jain

Wanting to expand my perspective, I moved to the United States to pursue my master’s degree. Living and studying between two cultures fundamentally reshaped my approach to design. I began to see my work as a fusion of influences, what I like to call a TACO moment in a world of plain tortillas. A mix of cultures, textures, stories, and intent coming together to create spaces that feel both functional and emotionally resonant. Read more>>

Eddie “Leo” Marshall III

I’m Eddie “Leo” Marshall III also known as King Leo and my journey has been a mix of faith, consistency, and creativity that kept evolving into bigger rooms and bigger responsibilities. I started as an artist and storyteller with something to say, and music was one of my first real foundations. Read more>>