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.

April Berry

From an early age, education was never presented as an option — it was the expectation. I was raised believing I would go to college and become a doctor. For most of my childhood, I envisioned myself as a pediatrician. I moved through school known for academic excellence, graduating high school as Valedictorian. That dedication earned me a full Presidential Scholarship to Fisk University, where I completed my undergraduate degree and graduated Summa Cum Laude in just three years instead of the traditional four. Read more>>

Arnulfo Villanueva

I had the faith that God would help me and in my heart i asked God for it and he gave me that special gift. Thats why J 316 construction LLC was born from an underserving loved that God has for me. My greatest desire is to Honor God, my community, this amazing country and my clients. My desire is to show everyone that God answers our prayers to achieve greatness. Read more>>

Clare Stuber

Originally from Chicago, I’ve been in Atlanta working as a director, producer, and writer in the film industry here for the last 8 years. After moving in 2015, I began shooting film photography for fun while trying to find my footing, and eventually pivoted into film full-time when my partner and I started our production company ACHOO STUDIOS. Read more>>

Harmone’ Romain

I wanted the best quality videos, but I had to make do with a Samsung tablet for filming…a tablet. But as I grew, so did technology, and there came my own phone—yay! I eventually bought a camera for $100 with everything I wanted. Not to mention, my filming space continued to expand from a coffee table to a full desk. On September 27th, 2016, I gained my first 100 subscribers! That’s pretty speedy if you ask me. Read more>>

Dr. Jorge De Jesus

My journey into chiropractic care is deeply personal and shaped by both adversity and inspiration. I was born hearing, but within my first month of life there was a medical malpractice at the hospital where I received an overdose of antibiotics that damaged my auditory nerves. My mother didn’t realize something was wrong until I was about three years old. Read more>>

Maureen Kelly

The Journey: From Global Sports to Strategic Brand Leadership My story began in the high-stakes, fast-paced world of New York. While I started in finance, I was quickly fascinated by the world of sports marketing and dived headfirst into the industry. Read more>>

Dirtbomber Co.

I’m an illustrator and graphic designer. I’ve been drawing since the age of 6 and worked as a Graphic Designer for over 20 years at various companies and design agencies. I have a passion for art. Drawing people is something I’ve always loved and can never seem to get enough of. Read more>>

Soomin Park

The story of Kuzi started from a shared passion. My business partner, Daejung Kim, and I used to visit a lot of figure shops and art exhibitions together. We both have a deep interest in street fashion, but as we looked around, we noticed a clear pattern: most figures were styled in cute or very basic outfits. Read more>>

Sévon

I’m from Long Island, New York, and storytelling has always been the center of my life. From a young age, I felt a pull toward performance toward spaces where truth, vulnerability, and imagination could exist all at once. What started as a love for performing quickly became a commitment to understanding people, their emotions, and the stories that shape them. Read more>>

Haadiyah Flagg

I started my journey with a passion for wellness, beauty, and helping people feel confident in their skin. Over time, I became more intentional about learning the science behind skincare and the power of plant-based ingredients. Read more>>

Trooper Derrick Davis

It started in 1988 while working as a Atlanta Police Mounted Patrolman. I received a phone call from a individual who told me that he was a member of the Atlanta Buffalo Soliders, He observed me riding downtown on my Mount Puppy Horse and would love if l would consider joining his organization. Read more>>

Michael Dickerson

Being born and raised in West Brighton projects in staten island where it’s nothing but drug dealers, gang members and murderers my mom tried her best to keep me out the streets but my friends had more influence on me then she did. Having no father figure my brother became that and my role model. Read more>>

Jalyn Smith

I’m originally from a small town in South Georgia called Leesburg, and I moved to metro Atlanta for college. I dedicated my life to Christ while I was getting my Master’s degree and along that journey I realized that writing is how I got to know God and His Word the best. I would journal my Bible study notes, prayers, and thoughts. Read more>>

Sheneaka Sykes

My path into healthcare wasn’t traditional, but in many ways, that’s what shaped my perspective the most. I started in healthcare more than 25 years ago as a CNA, working directly with patients and families and learning what compassionate care truly looks like. I didn’t begin my educational journey in the typical way—I started with a GED and worked my way up step by step. Read more>>

Kaylee Goss

My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t a straight line and honestly, that’s made me a better one. I spent years working as an engineer, solving problems, optimizing systems, and chasing efficiency. It was good work, but something was missing. I kept finding myself more drawn to the people around me than the problems in front of me. Read more>>

Suzette & Oualid Aouled Ali

Language is Our Love Language: When we first met, it wasn’t just our eyes that met it was our words. At the time, Suzette was helping Oualid perfect his English, while Oualid was helping Suzette with her French. What began as simple language practice quickly turned into something more meaningful. Read more>>

Kayla Whittle

My path has been shaped by a deep curiosity about people’s stories and how adversity shapes who we become. I spent the first part of my career working in education and school counseling, where I had the privilege of walking alongside children and families navigating complex emotional and social challenges. Read more>>

Akila Hill

My professional journey did not begin in therapy. Initially, I planned to become an eighth-grade math teacher. However, during my undergraduate studies, I took a psychology course that completely changed the trajectory of my career. I became deeply fascinated with understanding people—how they think, how they heal, and how relationships shape our lives. Looking back, it felt like a natural fit. Read more>>

Laura Marchese

Long before I became a Registered Dietitian, I was what you might call a hardcore ‘Nutrition Nerd’. I would literally spend hours researching the scientific highlights or proposed benefits of whatever new foods were trending in the nutrition world. Read more>>

Melle Houston

In 2016, we planned a trip to California to travel along the coast, starting in the Redwoods, to Yosemite, Big Sur, and on down to L.A. I had a friend with a spare DSLR, so I asked her to borrow it for the trip. Read more>>

Michael Quattrochi

I started by serving an apprenticeship under Howard Finkelstein of Obedience Please inc.. I then went on to serve as his head trainer. In 1976 I moved to The Atlanta area and opened The Educated Puppy. At first no one believed I could train 8 week old puppies. Read more>>

Heather Campbell

For as long as I can remember, I have believed that the work I do is more than a job—it is a ministry. To me, there is no greater way to serve mankind than to give back. For over twenty years, I have dedicated my life to the human service field, guided by a deep passion to be a blessing to others. Read more>>

Millicent Downward

During my years at college, I worked part-time at McDonald’s to save money to go to Australia for four months. I saved pretty much every penny and quickly discovered how much I would hate to spend my life in a job I hated. Working there got me to Australia, but that was all I wanted it to get me. Read more>>

Isaac Hayes

Brunch With Rosie began when Hunter Price and John Evans met in a music class at Auburn University in 2022. John Evans (bass) was a music major, and Hunter Price (guitar/lead vocal) was an engineering major interested in songwriting. Hunter instantly recognized John’s talent, and it took no time at all for him to pitch the idea of starting a band. Read more>>

Arnel Richardson

My journey into college consulting actually began at home. As a mother of three—Gewel, Gem, and Gary, known as the #3Richkids—I experienced the college admissions process three different times with my own children. Like many families, we quickly realized how overwhelming the process could be. Read more>>

Evan Joell Gonzalez

Growing up my parents, we’re both hairdressers and owners of Jade Salon of Atlanta. They always encouraged me to go into business for myself. I had watched them both open several businesses and that definitely inspired me to be a business owner one day. Read more>>

Dr. Tamala Coleman

In 2007 ,I published my first poetry book and then a children’s book and my first stage play. I have tested the waters from Poetry, Children’s Book, Devotional’s , Stage Plays and Short Film and a even broader scale in Podcasting for the last 8 years. Its truly been a journey! Read more>>

Leah Atkins

I grew up in Tennessee, but Atlanta has truly become home. After graduating from college in 2013 with a degree in interior design, my husband and I made the move to Atlanta to begin our next chapter together. Just a year later, in 2014, I took the plunge and started my own design firm. Read more>>

Regan Dargan

Growing up, I played multiple sports, and athletics were a huge part of my foundation. I went on to play collegiate basketball, which taught me discipline, resilience, and how to perform under pressure. During my career, I unfortunately experienced an injury that ultimately shifted the direction I thought I was headed in, but in many ways, it clarified my purpose. Read more>>

Caroline Milby

In 2022, I had just started toying with the idea of releasing my own music. At the time I was working as an attorney with kids and family obligations and was in my late 30s. It seemed absurd, someone like me, daring to carve my own creative footprint in the world. Read more>>

Tyasia Mathis

A quick summary about the start and prosperity of Emarie Green began from financial desires and rapidly transformed into a more purposeful pathway. It is apart of my life’s purpose to combine all the aspects of life that I love and some of what I’d like to change and capitalize off of it. Read more>>

Waneka Johnson-Bouyer

I started working with a nonprofit organization in Birmingham, AL that specializes in the reentry of nonviolent ex-offenders. As a career specialist, it was my responsibility to make sure that they are fully prepared to go back into the real world, which meant that they would need some type of resume to start submitting job applications and getting interviews. Read more>>

Brittnee Wilder

My journey into this work didn’t start in a classroom or boardroom. It started in my own healing. Like many women, I spent years being the nurturer, the giver, the one who held everything together for everyone else. Read more>>

Tristin Middleton

Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I greatly appreciate the recognition. My cooking journey started with my grandmother. Being in the kitchen with her allowed me to have this passion and love for food and cooking. Every moment spent in the kitchen is time I’m spending reliving my childhood with my grandmother. Read more>>

Ìyá Chani Ifádúnmọ́lá Carroll

My journey into this work really began long before I ever called it a business. Caring for people has always been a natural part of who I am. I grew up understanding the importance of peace, presence, and creating comfort in spaces that might otherwise feel overwhelming. Read more>>

Courtney and Gemma Glenn and English

We met one another in podiatry school in Cleveland, Ohio. During our residencies in Rhode Island and Jacksonville we were at a conference and decided to open a practice together. Dr English (maiden name Patel) grew up in Athens and we initially set our sights on that area for the practice. Read more>>

Ashley Rouse

I’ve always had a passion for creating, whether in the kitchen or in business. After studying culinary arts in Charlotte, North Carolina, I spent nearly two decades working in the food industry, exploring different ventures along the way. Read more>>

Dejha Rose

Hi, my name is Dejha. I’m a 29-year-old spa owner. I didn’t start with a storefront or a big team. I started by traveling to clients’ homes to do prom makeup, carrying my kit everywhere and building my name one appointment at a time. I reinvested everything I earned until I could finally afford my own suite. Read more>>

Hannah Lilly

My journey into wellness began during a time when I was searching for something steady to hold onto. Like so many people, the uncertainty of the pandemic became a turning point for me. I first found that sense of grounding through boxing. It gave me structure, discipline, and a place to channel my energy in a world that suddenly felt unstable. Read more>>

Petrona Joseph

My journey began with a deep passion for storytelling, advocacy, and creating spaces where difficult conversations could happen openly. As a communications strategist and mental health advocate, I’ve always believed that stories have the power to shift culture, reduce stigma, and help people feel less alone. Read more>>

Simone Merritt

My journey is rooted in a deep passion for people and organizational growth. I built my foundation with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from the University of West Georgia and later earned my Master’s in Human Resource Management from Columbia Southern University. Over the past 14 years, I’ve navigated the complexities of the HR landscape, ultimately stepping into my current role as a Sr. Read more>>

Alexis Staes

The Tatted Planner jumped the broom in 2020 after our founder, Callie Velez, was working an event and a guest referred to her as “that tatted planner over there.” The name stuck, and so did the mission. Read more>>

Michelle Barefield

My journey into massage therapy began with a deeply personal inspiration. A close friend of mine was struggling with an autoimmune disease, and witnessing their challenges sparked my desire to help people feel better in their bodies. I’ve always been fascinated by how the body works and how healing can happen through thoughtful, therapeutic touch. Read more>>

April Jones

I started my photography journey in California in 2009 with nothing more than a Nokia flip phone camera. At the time, I was just having fun capturing moments and experimenting with images. I began taking profile photos for people on MySpace and doing small shoots for free just to practice and build my skills. As people started seeing my work, word began to spread. Read more>>

Chuck Cherry

I started my journey by completing degrees at Georgia College & State University and my master’s degree at Georgia State University. While completing my degree, I gained employment while pursuing my master’s and continued working in technology for several companies to better understand how systems work together. I’ve always had a dream of starting a business and becoming a business owner. Read more>>

Juniah Johnson

I had started off pretty small, only doing sweet potato pies for thanksgiving for family and co-workers. From there, I had noticed that I wanted this to be more than a seasonal niche. I started testing out my treats at home, then officially started Junie’s Kitchen March of 2025. Read more>>

Jolita

Growing up a student athlete, I didn’t see myself as a pretty girl. All of that changed my senior year when I had to get my pictures taken, and it felt like seeing myself for the first time. A little bit after high school, I started doing lash extensions and noticed lashes make or break the look. Read more>>

Deborah Wilder, Ph.D., CNATC

I’ve spent close to 40 years working in the mental health field and the last 32 years in private practice, helping individuals, couples, and families navigate some of the most difficult seasons of their lives. My interest in psychology really began when I was a little girl. Read more>>

Shameer Lorde

I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, raised by a single mother. Life wasn’t easy. Brooklyn can be a dog eat dog environment, and from a young age I understood that nothing was going to be handed to me. My father wasn’t around, so my mother was everything. Read more>>

Kiersten Tharp

Sorry to say–my story isn’t brief. It is an insanely long tale solely relying on faith. Though I’m a proud born and raised West ‘By God’ Virginian, I somehow always knew my future wasn’t in my home among the hills. Read more>>

Earnest Jackson

My name is Earnest Jackson, and I am the founder of True Vine Services LLC. My wife and I started the company with a vision of building something meaningful and something that could one day be passed down to our children. For us, this business is about more than making a living; it’s about creating, innovating, and helping other families enhance and enjoy their homes. Read more>>

Keara Jewel

I’ve always been a creative person at heart. Growing up, I was drawn to music, performing, and storytelling in all forms. I loved anything that allowed me to express emotion or step into a different world for a moment. That natural curiosity eventually led me into acting and modeling. Read more>>

Vilma Papaleka

My first memories of gardens take me back to my grandmother’s garden. It wasn’t very big, but it felt full and alive. There were small paths between fruit trees and shrubs, lots of flowers, and a lot of shade, which made it a wonderful place to spend summer afternoons. Read more>>

Coach Munn

My journey didn’t begin from a place of clarity it began from chaos. There was a time in my life when I was chasing money, involved in businesses that didn’t truly align with who I was, and facing the very real possibility of jail time because of decisions I made while hustling just to survive. Read more>>

Ja’nae Dunston

In 2015, while pregnant with my daughter, I struggled with painful eczema flare-ups and extremely dry, irritated skin. I searched everywhere for a product that felt safe, clean, and effective, especially during pregnancy, but I couldn’t find anything I truly trusted. I felt frustrated, discouraged, and honestly defeated. So I decided to create what I couldn’t find. Read more>>

Kenji Kubota

Today, through Kenji Kubota Headshot Photography and my video storytelling projects, I specialize in modern portraiture, professional headshots, and cinematic visual narratives. Whether I’m photographing a corporate executive stepping into a new leadership role or producing a documentary centered on transformation and hope, my goal remains the same: to create images that feel real, meaningful, and timeless. Read more>>

Evan Joell Gonzalez

Growing up my parents, we’re both hairdressers and owners of Jade Salon of Atlanta. They always encouraged me to go into business for myself. I had watched them both open several businesses and that definitely inspired me to be a business owner one day. I worked at the salon after high school and that is when I realized I had the creativeness and work ethic to follow in their path. With their encouragement I moved to Atlanta and soon began my cosmetology studies at the Aveda Institute. I focused on learning as much as I could, with the hope that one day I too would have my own clientele and run the family business. Read More>>