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.

Javon Mitchell

I started my career early on crazy to say, but that experience opened the door to everything that came after it. Read more>>

Blaine Hensley

I began any considerable part of my life as an athlete. I was on my way to becoming a state runner for Cross-Country and Track around 2o16 and that was also a time where I was really trying to find myself. I wasn’t really happy being an athlete. I also found myself unable to make any true, lasting friends. Read more>>

Matt Barfield

I’ve had a passion for whiskey for many years. It’s more than just an alcoholic beverage. The brand history, small nuances that influence the whiskey, and the day to day distillery operations have always intrigued me. In 2020, I created The Whiskey Fly as a way to further my love for the hobby and connect with like minded individuals. Read more>>

Rayn

I started playing the harp when I was around 10 or 11 years old after my chorus teacher told my mom about the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble program. Music had already been a big part of my life. I started with piano, then violin and viola in elementary school before finding the harp in sixth grade. Read more>>

Amanda Leslie

I was raised in Atlanta , GA , on the east side of atlanta. Younger I was heavily involved i. the community. Sports , extra curricular activities and after school programs. Read more>>

Kennedy Ashley

I’ve always been surrounded by beauty and entrepreneurship. Growing up, I watched my mom run and operate her own hair salon, and seeing her create a space where women walked in one way and left feeling renewed truly inspired me. Read more>>

SmoKey VentAge

SmoKey VentAge is an Atlanta-born artist, producer, audio engineer, and songwriter whose sound blends soul, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul into a timeless, reflective experience. Music has been his passion since age five, beginning on drums and expanding to piano, vocals, and live performances at school and church. Read more>>

Javier Palma

My journey into the wedding industry began during college while pursuing my degree in Advertising Design and Production Management in 2013. At the time, it was one of the few programs that offered a comprehensive foundation in photography, visual storytelling, and media production, which immediately resonated with my creative curiosity. Read more>>

Jessica Taylor

I am a Nurse Practitioner by trade. I primarily work in long-term care and hospice. That experience, coupled with personal loss within my own family, has helped me to realize the value of celebrating all of life’s milestones. I originally started with oversized stork displays to help people welcome home new babies. Read more>>

aliyah green

I’ve always loved beauty from a young age. I use to wear makeup from magazines because my mom told me i was too young to actually buy makeup lol. After graduating high school, my mom asked me what i wanted to do with my career and i told her MAKEUP. She sent me to beauty school and it went up from there. Read more>>

Marie Munk Hartwig

I graduated my MA at the Royal College of Art in London in 2016. Shortly after I paired up with artist Stine Deja, to work on a collective project – Synthetic Seduction, first shown at Annka Kultys Gallery in London in 2018. This became the kickoff of my career. Synthetic Seduction has since been shown at countless venues around the world, and still travels. Read more>>

The Polished Bubble Co. Fatima and Simon Silva

We started The Polished Bubble Co. in 2018 as a small husband-and-wife business with one goal in mind: to create a cleaning company that people could truly trust inside their homes and businesses. At the beginning, it was just the two of us — cleaning during the day, answering calls at night, and learning every part of the business firsthand. Read more>>

Shemeeka Gentry

My running journey started back in 2018. What began as a personal outlet quickly turned into a true passion and eventually a platform that’s grown beyond just me. Running became something that helped transform my mindset, build discipline, confidence and community, and over time I realized I wanted to inspire other people to experience that too. Read more>>

Patrick Gloster

I started The R Report basically from blogging off my friend website back in 2009. From there the name begin to grow. I got my own website on blogspot.com to continue to grow my brand. Read more>>

miriam ofoegbu

My journey has been rooted in resilience, service, and continuous growth. I migrated to the United States in 2013, starting from the ground up and navigating a completely new environment with determination and a clear vision for my future. I began my career in nursing, where I developed a strong foundation in service, attention to detail, and advocacy. Read more>>

Tera Reid

I’ve always had a servant heart. It’s something I’ve always known about myself. In 1996, I graduated with my Bachelor of Social Work degree from North Carolina A&T State University and stepped into the world ready to make a difference. Read more>>

Anastasiya Monaco

In 2023, when Sohyun took over Adagio Day Spa, a business I had built from the ground up into something truly successful, I felt a deep clarity in my purpose: to dedicate my life to yoga, to practice, to live it fully, and to be of service., Read more>>

Boshicu Page

My story really centers around connection, finding it, losing it, and choosing to return to it. I’ve always had a love for the arts and community. Growing up in theater, I found joy in storytelling and in creating spaces where people could feel something real. Read more>>

Shannon Doyle Bell

I’m a storyteller and a connector. I recently launched a hyper-local, independently operated publication called *Upper Westside Atlanta Magazine*, and it has been embraced and celebrated by the community. It’s been incredibly rewarding to introduce neighbors and business owners to one another. Read more>>

Tone’ Griffin

I’m Tone’ Griffin, and my journey started in college with the goal of becoming a fashion buyer. Along the way, I realized that path might not offer the stability I was looking for, so I shifted my focus to business and finance. Years later, everything clicked when my best friend, Deeja Raines, invited me to a garage sale he was hosting with his mom. Read more>>

Belinda Fleming

Hi, welcome to SOL. Nice to meet you. That’s what you’ll find on the front door of SOL Yoga + Pilates Studio in Marietta, Georgia. And it’s not just a sign. It’s a philosophy. From the moment you step inside, something shifts. People say it every time… I love the sense of peace when I walk in. The space is calm, intentional, warm. Read more>>

David Frick

I got my start in construction in the summer of 1996 when I went to work for a family friend who was a general contractor. We did bathroom remodels, additions and general repairs. After that, I had the privilege to work for several home building companies, both small and large before starting Freedom Building Consultants in 2021. Read more>>

Jose ‘Joey’ Tirado

My running journey actually started around the pandemic. I was coming off a gym injury, and I still wanted to stay active—but I knew I needed something different from what I was used to in the gym. That’s when I turned to running. At first, it was just a way to stay in shape, but I quickly grew to enjoy it. Read more>>

Waldo (Ka Ra) Williams

We are the Official Street Team of Atlanta! Starting out as a hobby in 2006 working with then Atlanta Club Promoter D.O.G. Entertainment, I then incorporated our own brand BLAM! in 2016. Then I also expanded our services and products, becoming a full fledged marketing firm. Branding Logos Ads & Marketing! We help your brand execute marketing strategies like a major brand. Read more>>

Re’verse

Re’verse is a dance team based off from Chennai, a city at the southern part of India. The team started as three girls who came together to share their love for dance along with the Kpop culture. They started out in 2019 for a performance at the city’s well known Korean Culture organisation – The KWave India’s annual meet and that was the start. Read more>>

Terrence Stephens

I grew up in Maryland as an only child, which forced me to mature early—figure things out on my own, stay disciplined, and hold myself accountable. Football became my outlet and my foundation. It carried me to Stanford University, where I played at the collegiate level, and eventually into the National Football League. Read more>>

Anton Cofield

On May 17, 2026 @therealsneakaplug will be celebrating our eight year anniversary. We will be giving away 100 pairs of sneakers. to kids and parents in our community. Our goal is to support those who have supported us. This is a family owned business started by my son and myself. My name is Anton Cofield. I am the founder of Sneakr Plug. inc . Read more>>

Tamira M. Moon

CommUNITY is the heartbeat of my work, and that has guided me from the very beginning. I’m an Ohio Buckeye who now calls Atlanta home as a proud Georgia Peach, and my journey into public health started with a simple but powerful desire: to serve, to advocate, and to create meaningful change for communities that are often overlooked. Read more>>

Tammie Jenkins

I’ve been in business since the age of 6 selling candy and knickknacks to my family. Of course I participated in selling Worlds Finest Chocolates and Girl Scout cookies which was Entrepreneurship 101… resell someone else’s product and be rewarded. I love to be rewarded for my efforts. Read more>>

Tiffany Jordan

Heey! My name is Tiffany Jordan. Im a Jersey girl born in Newark in 1989. I have a twin brother, Terell and a younger sister Tyesha. My mother moved us to Florida in 1999/2000 ish. I had a normal childhood as a millennial. Playing outside all day, roller blading through the neighborhood, double dutch, etc. Read more>>

Jennifer Wilson

I wasn’t always a travel advisor. I had a predictable career as a dental hygienist. However, after about 10 years of dental practice, I felt like I was missing out on so much life living by the repetitive schedule of dentistry. Read more>>

Kajara Nebthet

I got started on this journey out of curiousity. I wanted to find out more about thing that were interesting to me such as herbs, crystals, yoga, breathing and natural healing techniques. I started making and selling jewelry and other products at festivals and conferences across the country. I begin to be called into doing women’s healing work as I was trying to heal myself. Read more>>

Alex bergland

I grew up doing house projects with my dad — summers, weekends, whatever needed fixing. It was just part of life. When it came time to think about a career, I honestly wanted to do something completely different. But at some point I looked at this industry and saw how much room there was to do it better — more transparently, more professionally, more intentionally. Read more>>

Christina Fuller

I was born and raised in Atlanta, and like many people, I grew up with big dreams and a curiosity for many different paths. Over time, I discovered that my true strength lies in the field of education—helping others grow, learn, and realize their potential. Creativity has always been a major part of who I am. Read more>>

Sylvia Crowe

SunWoman Farms is a SWC Farms Company that was established in 1982. This farm has expanded operations from livestock to include fresh fruits and vegetables. SWC Farms is a Georgia Grown Producer. SunWoman Farms was started when we decided that we wanted to share our tastiest produce with others. SunWoman Farms picks to order so you have the freshest possible produce. Read more>>

Aysha Miller

I think my story really begins with movement. During my elementary school years, I moved around a lot. I was constantly adjusting to new schools, new people, and new environments. I would make friends, build connections, and then suddenly have to start over somewhere else. Even though I learned how to connect with people quickly, there was always a loneliness that came with it. Read more>>

Ogbarode Ogbon

I’m MCOGB, a luxury wedding and event MC based in Dallas. My journey into hosting started naturally through my love for people, communication, and creating memorable experiences. Growing up, I was always the person bringing energy into gatherings, coordinating people, making announcements, and helping events flow smoothly without stress or confusion. Read more>>

Dr. Jameeka Banks

First and foremost thank you for this platform and what you all do. I think it’s very important to highlight stories and people who inspire and motivate others. The world needs more positive stories. So who am I? My name is Dr. Jameeka Banks. I am a New York native, born and raised. I moved to Atlanta, Ga in 2015. Read more>>

Ty Harris

I got into construction, 7 years ago when I was working for the City of East Point. I started doing small handyman jobs on the side to support my growing family. One day after a conversation my wife, she told me that I was becoming very experienced in what I was doing, and should start getting deeper into the construction field.. Read more>>

Leala Ho

For as long as I can remember, art was the one thing that could completely bend time for me. I knew I wanted to pursue a creative life the moment I realized I could spend countless hours creating, entirely lost in the process without even realizing how much time had passed. Read more>>

Elijah cohen

Peanut: The Beginning of a Hairstylist, Healer & Storyteller People know me today as Elijah Cohen — hairstylist, makeup artist, creative director, life coach, and image consultant. But before any title, before any platform, before any success, I was simply “Peanut.” Peanut was the nickname given to me as a child growing up in Starke, Florida. Long before I understood purpose, I understood connection. Read more>>

Hannah Lee

The story of Palette by Hannah is a decade-long evolution of precision, beginning with ten years as a nail technician where the foundation of meticulous detail and a steady hand was first mastered. Seeking a more transformative impact on facial aesthetics, the journey transitioned into eyelash services, a phase dedicated to the art of framing the eyes and mastering unique facial symmetry. Read more>>

Michael Nicolas

I’ve loved fashion for as long as I can remember. While I was in college, a friend and I walked into a LensCrafters to look for jobs. We filled out applications and took a test, and after passing, I was hired as a frame stylist. That’s where I truly fell in love with both optical work and fashion. Read more>>

Tiffany Moynihan

I’ve always been passionate about beauty, but over the years my approach to skincare evolved into something much deeper than surface-level aesthetics. I’ve been in the beauty industry for nearly 20 years, and after spending years behind the chair and working in digital marketing and  education for beauty brands, I realized there was a huge disconnect between “pampering” facials and truly transformative skin health. Read more>>

Jermaine (2 Gun Yvng) Watkins

My name is Jermaine Watkins stage name 2 Gun Yvng(Young) I was born in buffalo ny and raised in some of the worst parts of the city mainly the East side. Read more>>

Matt Dorminy

Firehouse Junk Removal was born out of the desire to serve the community beyond the firehouse. I am a dedicated firefighter, and started taking on small junk removal jobs on my days off. My hard work and commitment to helping others quickly turned this side gig into a thriving business. Read more>>

Jemima Namale

My journey really started from wanting something clean that I could trust in my home. As I became more intentional about the products I used in my everyday routines, I realized it was harder than I expected to find candles that felt both safe and thoughtfully made. So I decided to try making my own. As I got into it, it became something more personal. Read more>>

Anthony Montelongo

My name is Anthony Montelongo. I was born in Cancun, Mexico, and raised most of my life in San Antonio, Texas. My dad started taking me to work with him at 9 years old, and he started teaching me about business, entrepreneurship, how to think about money, value, and much more way ahead of my peers. Read more>>

Katie Nisbett

I started my career running my own residential construction and design business, where I managed full home remodels from concept to completion. That experience gave me a strong foundation in project management, budgeting, and the building side of design. From there, I transitioned into television, working as a design producer and art director on multiple HGTV shows. Read more>>

ElJay Williams

My journey as an artist really began with a foundation in music, theater, and storytelling. I studied at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff on a choir scholarship, which is where I started developing not just my voice, but my understanding of performance, stage presence, and how to connect with an audience. Read more>>

Lori McBrayer

It all started when a good friend of mine asked to host their event out on our property. The event went super well so we decided maybe this was something we should look into doing more frequently. Being a woman of faith I saw the vision of what the Lord could do with our little property and touch so many peoples lives. Read more>>

Cherell “Rell” Simmons

I’m a variety streamer, content creator, entrepreneur, and community advocate from the New Orleans area who started my journey in 2021 with a simple goal: creating a space where people could feel seen, welcomed, and genuinely connected through gaming. Read more>>

Jade Greene

I’ve always had interest however I didn’t consider the beauty industry as a career until I was in college for something completely different. I kept feeling a pull towards it so I dropped out, quit my day job and jumped right in! Read more>>

Donesha Payne

Wow! Well, before i truly tapped into doing nails, I use to either polish my nails using dollar tree polish and nail art or by the age of 14 my mom was letting me go with her and get acrylic nails. Prior to attending nail school, I was a customer service manager at Walmart (2016). Read more>>

Dr. Ngonzi Truth Crushshon

My story begins on the South Side of Chicago, where I grew up working alongside my parents in the community. Service wasn’t something we talked about—it was something we lived every day. My father, Rev. D.A. Crushshon, Sr., is a Baptist pastor, and my mother is both a trained social worker and K-12 educator. Read more>>

Maggi Harris

Silent Book Club itself is an international sensation! With over 2000 chapters worldwide, the organization was founded in 2015 and rapidly grew. SBC Marietta was first created in August 2023, and I inherited the chapter in August 2025. Read more>>

Vanessa Hooper

Creativity was part of my upbringing. As a child, I spent countless hours in my mother’s bespoke bakery—a vibrant storefront that was both a family business and a remarkable success. I watched, learned, and absorbed her craft, captivated by the rhythm of baking and especially drawn to the artistry of wedding and event cakes. Read more>>

DeAndre Robinson

I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, a place where it is not hard to meet successful people who look like me. I have always had a knack for being in business for myself. I played around with different journeys throughout college and even during my career in the military. I served in the U.S. Read more>>

Ariel Thompson

Honestly, I didn’t fully understand this question at first because I don’t feel like I have a traditional “how I started” story. My journey has been more about life happening and me learning how to navigate it. Read more>>

Heather Pennington

Like a lot of people, my path wasn’t a straight line. Early on, I knew I was curious, creative, and interested in business, but I didn’t have one clear career mapped out. While in college, I explored several different roles and industries because I wanted real-world experience and to understand what I genuinely enjoyed. Read more>>

Kurt Lee Wheeler

Kurt Wheeler is a Cherokee County Georgia based singer songwriter that crafts raw vulnerable portrayals of life in the American Southeast. He is a United States Air Force veteran. His musical expressions range from country to bluegrass to rock. His newest album Lathem town has received fantastic reviews from the United Kingdom to the United States from the Americana and Bluegrass world. Read more>>

Alvaro & Claudia Carta

I’m Cuban, and I lived in Miami, where I grew up surrounded by the authentic flavors of Cuban cuisine that always felt like home. Later, I met my wife in Atlanta, and we started our life here. Over time, I realized how much I missed that taste of Miami and the culture behind it. Read more>>

Ashley Skandalakis

I started making orchids for a new restaurant several weeks before Covid hit. Wow sequestered during Covid. I decided what I really wanted to do was start a container business for outdoor seasonal planters. So I researched a name and Atlanta Planters was not taken. Applied for business license and started working every social media branch I possibly could describing what my services would be. Read more>>