Portraits of Atlanta

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.

Alvin Stephens

I discovered my passion for entertainment and community-building while working as a Resident Assistant in college, where I started hosting programs and events for students. What began as a role quickly became something more—I realized I had a natural ability to bring people together, create energy, and turn ordinary moments into experiences people genuinely enjoyed. Read more>>

Jordan S

Since I was a kid I was always involved in art whether it was drawing, dancing, visual design, or acting. Never in a million years did I know I was going to stick with just one of those traits when I had dreams and ideas to create with all of them. Read more>>

Temilade Quadri

I got into photography during the COVID-19 lockdown while I was living in Michigan. What began as a simple creative outlet something to pass the time and express myself really quickly became much more meaningful. As I spent more time behind the camera, I realized I wasn’t just taking photos; I was telling stories. Read more>>

Sarah Rutherford

I started my styled shoot business over 10 years ago as a creative outlet for myself. At the time, I just wanted a space to bring ideas to life, experiment, and create without limits. What began as something small and personal quickly grew into something so much bigger than I ever expected. Read more>>

Dizzy The Host

Since 1996, I have served as the CEO of La Femme Nakita Productions and Dizzy The Host Inc., my entertainment management, booking, branding, and special events company. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and my Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University. Read more>>

Cherylyn Howard

I’ve spent over 26 years in the aesthetics industry, including 16 years as a Master CoolSculpting specialist. My path into permanent makeup became personal when two of my older sisters were diagnosed with breast cancer. That experience led me to specialize in areola repigmentation—a service that’s about so much more than appearance. Read more>>

Rachel Seals

Hi!!! I’m Dr. Rachel and I am the owner and founder of Movela. I am a physical therapist and I love all things mobility and wellness. I am SO passionate about helping people live a life they enjoy. Mobility isn’t just about walking or transfers, it’s about identity, autonomy, dignity, and hope. Losing movement can feel like losing a future someone thought they understood. Read more>>

Emmanuel Casimir

My fascination for men’s fashion started at a very young age in Haiti. I loved suits and my Mother would always get me different ones for weddings. That fascination grew and I got a job in a Custom Suit store. This opened my eyes to the world of customs and I never looked back. Now I own my own business here in Atlanta. Read more>>

Tasha Criss

The Heart of Composure: A Story of Restoration and Partnership Our story didn’t start in a boardroom; it started in a stylist’s chair. Tasha was a client of Julia’s, navigating the quiet heartbreak of hair thinning caused by PCOS. In an industry that often prioritizes quick trends over personal care, Julia didn’t just offer a service—she offered a transformation that gave Tasha her confidence back. Read more>>

Kyirra Tillmon

My journey into the nail industry started in 2020. What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into something much bigger once I realized the impact I could have—not just through nails, but through helping women feel confident and cared for. A big part of my drive comes from my personal story. Read more>>

Marshall Stephens

Like many photographers, I got started with photography in college at the University of Tennessee when I was studying photography under Professor Robert Heller. I got my first ‘real’ camera and dove right into photography. There, I had the opportunity to shoot a wide range of subjects from events to portraits to SEC football and other sports. Read more>>

Akay Okoli

I started doing photography professionally in May 2024. It was more of a hobby to me when I started. It still is up till this day even though now I’m seeing some sort of money from it. I’ve always loved taking pictures and getting my pictures taken. Read more>>

Jessica Rosa Espinoza

At my core, I’m a storyteller. Everything I do, whether in a classroom, a rehearsal space, or out in the community, starts with a deep curiosity about people and the stories that shape us. I studied acting and directing and began my career as a performer, but over time, I found myself most drawn to creating work with others. Read more>>

Egleimar Hernandez

My journey into the beauty industry began from a very personal place. I’ve always been drawn to enhancing natural beauty not transforming it, but refining it in a way that makes each woman feel confident, elevated, and truly herself. Originally from Venezuela, my path hasn’t been linear. Like many, I had to adapt, grow, and rebuild in a new environment. Read more>>

Rachel McClain

My journey into creating PUAH™ Skincare is deeply personal and rooted in both science and faith. I am a licensed pharmacist, trained to understand medications and how they impact the body. But my perspective on healing truly shifted after a pivotal experience with my daughter. In 2015, shortly after she was born, she developed a severe rash on the back of her neck. Read more>>

Meosha Delia’ Pullins

My journey began at just seven months old when I landed a print modeling campaign for OshKosh B’gosh that was featured worldwide in Target and Carter’s stores. I still remember it vividly—it was the launch of their girls’ blue jean dress overalls featuring a heart-shaped pocket on the front. Read more>>

Gary Allen

My story is driven by the intersection of two worlds that often seem like opposites: the structured, analytical world of software engineering and the high-energy, unpredictable world of global travel and fitness. I started my professional journey five years ago after graduating from North Carolina A&T State University with a degree in Computer Engineering. Read more>>

Jade Thompson

My mother has one hell of a survivor story but one things she never missed out on was taking family photos. As her rainbow baby, she made sure she bought the best camera of that time and dressed me in the cutest dresses and frilly socks if all different vibrant colors. Read more>>

Yasmeen Kearra

I started off modeling and took some time off. In the midst of that hiatus I found my love again for moving my body through stretching. Read more>>

Atticus Roness

I started young in musical theater, learned guitar at age 14, started writing songs at 16 and played my first live show the same year. Ten years later, I have played hundreds of shows in several states, having supported some of the best artists in the world. I look to continue this growth as I chase my dream Read more>>

Vi Tran

I studied elementary education at Kennesaw State University, where my passion for working with youth truly took shape, though it started much earlier. As a middle school student, I would spend my lunch periods in the classroom teaching my friends test material to help them prepare for exams. Even then, I knew I was called to educate and uplift others. Read more>>

WICK NICK

WICK&NICKS started off as a sandwich pop up WICK&NICKS HOT SALADS &COLD CUTS which though initially very successful became quite difficult to continue. Three years ago, we found a loft space that spoke to us. It has a special magic with the large factory windows and ample sunset lighting. Read more>>

Zahion Mikell

My journey in leadership and service began in Georgia, specifically in Douglas County, where I was involved in my school’s Student Government Association. That experience helped me discover my passion for serving others, representing student voices, and making a difference in my community. Later, I moved to DeKalb County, where I continued growing as a leader by serving on my area superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. Read more>>

Maria Opeaye

I was born in New Orleans Louisiana. I currently live in Buckhead. I’m a ex law student, Sports agent preferably soccer. I’ve been a soccer agent since 2021. I’m also a serial entrepreneur with different businesses. Read more>>

Heidi Harris

I have been a photographer for over 20 years. After purchasing black equipment over and over, I got curious. Was there any light stands available in other color besides black? When I realized the answer was no I was inspired to make it a reality. This is how Surrounded By Light was born. Read more>>

Feliciano Abaurre

Here is a little about me: – How did your move to Georgia influence your practice? When I arrived to georgia I had to get familiarized with the clay, built a kicking wheel and started trying differents shapes and textures. The first production was all pit fired at low temp until i built a low temp kiln. Read more>>

Davone Bonneau Jr.

My name is Davone Bonneau Jr. I’m a Video Content Producer, Creative Lead, and the founder of Colours Creative out of Atlanta, GA. But if you really want to understand where I’m at now, you gotta go back to where it all started. It started with music — not cameras. I went to CAPA, the Creative and Performing Arts High School in Pittsburgh. Read more>>

Miesha Henderson

I started back in October 2018, hosting small group sessions in the comfort of my own home; focusing on women’s issues, confidence, and becoming a better person from the inside out. What began as intimate conversations quickly turned into something much bigger. The response was overwhelming, and I realized I had tapped into a real need. Read more>>

Alex Ergas

I started writing songs when I was 14 and eventually released music during my sophomore year of high school. The first songs I wrote were short, corny pop ballads on Garageband for iPad. I shared my first song cover in eighth grade, a clip from a Justin Bieber song that got me pretty made fun of. Read more>>

Kim McClure

I have been organizing my entire life. If you were to ask my best friend what I was doing every time she called me she would tell you I was always organizing. With that being said, of course I loved The Container Store and I got a job there and worked there for 2 years in my early 40’s. Read more>>

Deire Foxx

I’m originally from Lexington, Kentucky. Went to the local public schools from elementary to high school. After graduating from Bryan Station High School in 2006, I attended Western Kentucky University, where I initially majored in Business Management. Read more>>

Isabel Hudson

I’ve known I wanted to act professionally since my junior year of high school. My only questions were how I would go about it. I’m originally from Augusta, but I decided to move up to New York for college. I know you’re thinking New York City with the entertainment industry there! Read more>>

Abbey Garner

ByGood Coffee was founded in 2016 by two determined parents Abbey and Darrell Garner who wanted to bring awareness of specialty coffee and loose-leaf tea to the suburbs of Long Island. Our core values are to put people first, listen then respond, innovate continuously and give back to our community. Read more>>

George Geanuracos

Music has been the most consistent pursuit of my life. I began playing violin at age seven, clarinet at age ten, and guitar at age twelve. In 2005 I moved from my hometown of Farmington, CT to Miami, FL, to study jazz guitar at the University of Miami. Read more>>

Amy Mass

When I was 4-years old I used my mom’s typewriter and copied my favorite library book letter for letter, declaring I was an author. While I’ve always known I wanted to be a writer, the medium keeps changing and I’m currently on my third writing career. I got my start as an advertising creative assistant in New York City the day after I turned 21. Read more>>

Girl Moses

Girl Moses began as something I ( Kyra Kennedy) believe God placed in my spirit with purpose. What I first thought would be a name for my work in graphic design and beauty revealed something much deeper, a divine assignment. I am a holistic Doula and Christian faith leader with a prophetic calling, serving women through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and pivotal life transitions. Read more>>

Wilson Stiner

For a Stiner (Ashkenazic for stoneworker), it feels bizarrely fitting for me to find myself in Stone Mountain after following a rocky path to Georgia three years ago. The pandemic shakeup moved my new family out of the mountains of Southern California, necessitating a reformulation of plans and points of connection to my art-life missions. Read more>>

Emma Uvena

I discovered yoga for my own healing and mental health approximately 13 yrs ago and I decided approximately 3 years ago to change my career and become a yoga teacher. This is where At Heart Yoga LLC was born. I felt the changes within my body, mind, spirit and my life, and knew I was onto something. Read more>>

DJ Shots

Shots I started DJ’ing in 2020/2021, here in Atlanta, Ga. I’m an open format DJ, that loves to bring people together with music. I learned how to dj by hanging with my mentor who is a dj, almost every single day. He was out of town one day and had a gig, but couldn’t make it due to flight issues. Read more>>

Blesseth Palmer

SETH 2°17 was born from both memory and intention. In my early twenties, after getting my first apartment, I bought a candle that completely changed the way I experienced my home. The fragrance filled the space with this warm, sophisticated atmosphere that I became emotionally attached to. I would light it every night. Read more>>

Lynda Ballard

I’m Lynda Ballard, the owner and founder of Stitch & Fit Alterations, located in Lithia Springs, GA. I have over 43 years of experience in professional garment alterations. My Mother and Grandmother were both seamstresses. Growing up, I would always watch them sew. I was always fascinated at how the right fit can elevate a person’s entire look. Read more>>

Jay Michael Balmes

I’m a fully self-taught artist, and my path into art wasn’t traditional. It really started during a period of recovery when I was younger, and I was still in recovery at home following a lengthy hospital stay due to a life-threatening illness. To pass the time, I began drawing using materials my mother had around the house. Read more>>

Alex Carrasco

Like many meaningful businesses, ours began with recognizing a problem that people faced every day — vehicle repairs had become inconvenient, time-consuming, and often overwhelming. Too many customers were dealing with expensive towing, long waits at repair shops, and the disruption of being without reliable transportation. We saw an opportunity to create a better experience by bringing professional automotive service directly to the customer. Read more>>

Ikeem Florence

I’m Ikeem Florence, born and raised in the Metro Atlanta area, Cobb County to be exact. Creativity has always been a part of who I am. I can remember being in 5th grade on Myspace, focused on layouts and visuals, and paying attention to what made people engage. That was my first introduction to creating something that people noticed and responded to. Read more>>

Sarai Camacho

Seeing people do a complete 180 in their health and demeanor is what first sparked my desire to become a chiropractor. Up to that point in my life, I had no experience with chiropractic care, but I knew I could never unsee what I had witnessed in that office. Read more>>

Tayla Herring

I’m originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a kid I was enamored by anything that had to do with fashion and makeup. My nana would spend hours in front of the vanity doing her makeup for Church or whatever the event was for the day and I would sit in her room with her while she got ready. Read more>>

Mason Koski

I’ve always been independent and ambitious by nature. During a stint in the corporate world, I realized that environment wasn’t feeding those traits, and I knew it was time to take a risk on myself. Real estate felt like the natural answer as I grew up in an entrepreneurial and real estate family. Read more>>

Sharquez Rozier

I started Queztination LLC because I always knew I wanted more for myself and wanted to create something I could truly call my own. I’ve always had a passion for beauty, and entrepreneurship. I went to school for Cosmetology and Esthetics; so I decided to turn those interests into a business and brand that represents confidence, ambition, and creativity. Read more>>

Tameka Perry

I’m an Atlanta-based lifestyle creator, wife, and mom of three, including a son on the autism spectrum. My content focuses on beauty, skincare, fashion, and everyday mom life. What started as a random TikTok I filmed with my daughters during COVID quickly turned into something I truly fell in love with. Read more>>

Jamila Surles

I started my business in 2015 to utilize marketing and media to create ways for small businesses and minority-owned businesses to thrive. I saw the impact that media and entertainment had on people and wanted to see what I could do mesh the two worlds in order to encourage productivity. Read more>>

LaChina Robinson

My journey into sports broadcasting wasn’t a straight line. It was a calling I answered before the industry was ready to receive it. I grew up with a deep love for sports and an even deeper belief in the power of women. Those two things have driven every decision I’ve made professionally. Read more>>

Tanesha Hayes

I started my career as an elementary school teacher, working primarily with early readers in first and second grade. During that time, I began to notice that so many students were struggling with reading. It wasn’t because of their lack of ability but it was due to the pace. Read more>>

Ty Williams

I started out in modeling school back in 2019 getting my first taste of what it takes to become a model and was fortunate enough to attend my first fashion show with that program which ended up being Macy’s fashion show. Read more>>

Ashley Sailor

“My yoga journey began in 2019 during the pandemic. Coming from a background in All-Star cheerleading and gymnastics, I initially wanted a way to maintain my flexibility, and yoga felt like the best fit. A close friend of mine noticed my natural gift for yoga and encouraged me to pursue teaching it, that suggestion changed everything. Read more>>

Da-Viii Productions

I fell in love with music at an early age. I picked up my first drum at seven years old and started marching in a drill team drumline in Dayton, Ohio. Read more>>

Labre Hannah

Honestly, I thought I was going to be a nurse forever. But one day God gave me a revelation to start acting, and I’ve been chasing that dream ever since. Acting and being on set is something that truly makes me happy, and I know that’s my purpose in life! Read more>>

Britainy Murphy

My journey into permanent makeup started in a way I never expected. I had always been interested in the beauty industry, but I assumed it required years of schooling, which just wasn’t realistic for me at the time. Read more>>

Lizzy James

The James Lord Creative story really started with a shared frustration around transactional marketing—the kind that focuses on checking boxes instead of creating real connection. My business partner Jaya and I both came from agency backgrounds where we saw businesses investing in marketing that didn’t feel intentional or aligned, and we knew there had to be a better way to do it. Read more>>

Teana Mackey

I’m a Black woman born and raised in Queens, New York, who learned how to navigate systems that weren’t necessarily built with us in mind—and now I use those same skills to create opportunities for my community. I’ve always had a natural affinity for numbers and strategy, which led me to earn my Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing. Read more>>

Jamey Shirah

I grew up in hospitality, though I didn’t fully understand it at the time. My family had a commercial quail preserve we called Shirahland, and what I remember most isn’t just the land or the work, it’s the people. Friends, neighbors, and guests would come through, and they always left talking about how they felt. That stuck with me early. Read more>>

Tori Savory Sweet & The Garden

As long as I can remember, food has always been a major part of my life. Family dinners, trying new restaurants, celebrations, food was always a focal point. As a hobby, my father made wine, catered events, and my brother has a passion for cooking as well. Read more>>

Fitzroy Powell

I’m Fitzroy Powell, an award-winning filmmaker and the founder of Kleek Studios. My journey began in Kingston, Jamaica, where I started my career as a freelance video editor after being self-taught in my early years as a filmmaker. Read more>>

Joseph Dunham

How The Good Service Podcast came to fruition… Our origin story, it all starts with God. I was living in Chicago at the time, George Floyd had been murdered, this event was a catalyst to my first bout with depression. I was at a crossroad both personally and professionally. Read more>>

ANDY GISH

I am definitely a believer that the universe guides you where you’re supposed to be. Sometimes that means derailed plans and lots of pivots, but it has always worked out for me in the end. I moved to Atlanta from Houston for graduate school in 1998. The program turned out to be an absolute disaster, and after a year, I quit. Read more>>

Chantal Smith

I got started in business five years ago, and over that time I rebranded from Massage by Touch to the brand you see today — Thirty 3 Touch. Read more>>

Shequavia Johnson

I began my journey by taking a leap of faith relocating to Georgia as a mother of four to pursue acting, starting without industry connections or a traditional pathway in. That experience required resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to build from the ground up. As I developed in my craft, I recognized the importance of not just waiting for opportunities, but creating them. Read more>>