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.

Lauren Johnson

My name is Lauren Johnson, and I’m the founder and creative director of Bellisima Fiore, a floral design company based in Atlanta specializing in weddings, events, and elevated floral experiences. My journey into floristry honestly came from a mix of creativity, storytelling, and entrepreneurship. I’ve always loved design, branding, and creating experiences that make people feel something emotionally. Read more>>

Chiquita Russaw

Chiquita Russaw, founder of Vision Impact Solutions, Business Development Strategist, and Executive Director of MBP Helping Hands, I’ve always believed that vision alone is not enough. People need structure, strategy, and clarity to truly grow. My journey started with recognizing a gap. Read more>>

Adrianne Willis

I’ve always loved flowers, gardening, and decorating. Creating beautiful things naturally became my creative outlet, and over time I realized I could turn that passion into something meaningful for others through luxury picnics, floral designs, and room decor. Read more>>

Bryanna Hightower

I started posting online when I was eight years old. I named my YouTube account “BRE MANIA” because, at the time, I thought “mania” meant the same thing as a utopia. Back then, I made skits, dance videos, and the occasional slime video. Read more>> 

Noshin Pod

Thank you so much for having me! My journey has really been about balancing structure with creativity. By day, I work as a senior financial professional, navigating numbers and corporate strategy. While I love that analytical side, I’ve always had a passion for visual storytelling, luxury fashion, and curated lifestyle experiences. Read more>>

Aude-Ellen Nangle

I started modeling the second I stepped foot on my college campus, but it’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was very young. I remember when I was just 6 years old, my mom signed me up for a modeling event at Discover Mills Mall (now called Sugarloaf Mills Mall). Read more>>

67 Vine

As a kid I immediately experienced a form of domestic violence, coming from someone who you’d least expect. Not allowing that trauma to define my character over my lifespan, I instead used that pain and made art as a way to express myself. Read more>>

Rick Silver

Like many boys who weren’t especially good at sports, I received a magic kit one Christmas, and that’s where it all began. For several years, I performed, not particularly well, at my younger sister’s birthday parties. During my teenage and young adult years, I stepped away from performing, but my interest in magic remained strong. I looked forward to David Copperfield’s television specials every year. Read more>>

Edwin Ndzeh

Born in Cameroon, Ndzeh Edwin Duh, professionally known as Gado, is an Afrobeat and Dancehall artist with a powerful story rooted in family, rhythm, and purpose. His journey began long before his first song — it started on the dance floor. After spending years performing to other people’s music, Gado realized it was time to take his artistry to the next level. Read more>>

Maureen Omijeh

My story begins in Nigeria, where I grew up in a close-knit family that gave me a strong sense of values and determination. I studied Accounting at university in Nigeria and later earned a Master’s degree in Business Management in the United Kingdom. But honestly, my entrepreneurial spirit showed up long before any of that. Read more>>

Noel Mwamba

My name is Noel Mwamba, and I’m a licensed Real Estate Broker and the owner of Mwamba Realty Atlanta LLC, operating in both Georgia and New York. I spent over 20 years in New York — including a global career with the United Nations — before relocating to Atlanta with my wife and our son to build a business rooted in community impact. Read more>>

Mad Sadiq

My name is Mad Sadiq. I am an artist and film maker. I am from Charlotte, North Carolina. I have been making music for 11 years. I started producing music as a young kid, at 8 or 9 years old. I started writing at 13 years old. Read more>>

Estefani Gonzalez

Taza de Sol has always been a dream and milestone to achieve. Since coming to the US back in 2002, I dreamt of bringing a little piece of my country to my new home in Atlanta, Georgia. Uruguay is a small country in South America, but the people have the biggest hearts and are also welcoming to those who come to visit. Read more>>

Chelsea Crawford

Real estate has been a passion of mine since college. When I was getting ready to graduate college, my mom went through the home-buying process. Our agent was wonderfully attentive and made the process stress-free and even fun in some ways. That sparked my interest but I was getting ready to walk across the stage at Georgia State University. Read more>>

Melissa Lester

The path here has been a winding one. As a kid, I was curious and imaginative, and also very sensitive — by the time I was five, that sensitivity was already showing up as anxiety both mentally and physically. My teen years brought continued health challenges and depression on top of that. Read more>>

Krista Horton

I’m 23 years old and own Hands To Body Med Spa. I started this business when I was 18 years old and have grown from 2 clients a week to now 10-15 clients a week. I now have a beautiful employee named Heavann Hand and a medical director named Dr. John Vu. Read more>>

Carlos Benjamin

My story really begins in 2012 in New York City, where I got my start in the film industry as a production assistant. From there I moved into experiental marketing, tour management, and eventually became a global event producer, work that took me behind the scenes of some of the biggest live experiences brands were creating around the world. Read more>>

Gabriella Troche

What drew me into the esthetics industry was my passion to live a peaceful lifestyle. From a young age, it’s very common to see your future adult work life as a chore. We are taught that work is hard, exhausting, and unenjoyable. When I graduated high school, I vowed to retire the stigma behind working, and esthetics was exactly was I was looking for. Read more>>

Lisa Gray

I come from a family of hair stylists, self employed and independent personalities, . but I chose to enter the corporate arena and later realized that I also had the same need for flexibility and independence. I had a natural ability for styling hair and cosmetology was the most natural option. Read more>>

Quincy Chapman

I grew up around entertainers and music my entire life. Although I’m from Fayetteville, GA, my family is originally from New York City. Long before music, my mother made sure I grew up connected to Black art, literature, and the soul of the Harlem Renaissance long before I could fully understand it. Read more>>

Eduardo Castro II

I moved to Ga in 2017 with my wife and I enrolled in the GFA program at Atlanta Technical College. That program was a great introduction to working in film and television and gave me a great baseline knowledge of multiple jobs in the industry. Read more>>

Brittany Scott

For over 15 years, I worked in healthcare, specifically in women’s health, pediatrics, and pediatric hospice care. I’ve supported families through the beginning of life, moments of growth, and also some of the most painful and delicate end-of-life experiences. While I valued the work, over time I began to feel like I wasn’t truly helping my community heal in the way I knew was possible. Read more>>

Prieska Outland

I’m originally from Atlanta, Georgia, with Liberian roots, and my journey has been anything but traditional. Growing up, I always knew I was creative, ambitious, and meant to do something impactful, but like many people, I had to go through life experiences that helped shape who I am today. Read more>>

Isabella Dudley

Rubber Duckies, Ballet, and Michel Jackson, were the main things running through my mind as a child, reflecting on that, I always knew that I was a creative. From creatively lying to my parents about why my grade hasn’t been put into the grade book, to creative collaboration in making my award winning capstone, film Raw N Reel. Read more>>

Saba Jawad

When you think of an Honors graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and a graduate degree in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs, your mind might instantly picture stark laboratories, research facilities, and towering stacks of compliance manuals. However, the modern application of a rigorous scientific education often leads to far more dynamic destinations. Read more>>

Trevor Clark

My path into herbal medicine started in a hospital bed, not a classroom. In 2003, a car accident during my senior year of high school left me with a fractured spine. It took One year to get the spinal fusion and as I waited I wore a full body brace to finish my senior year of high school. Read more>>

Keri Lindekugel

I started my photography business in December of 2023. After getting engaged myself and having my own engagement session my wedding photographer Kelsie was the one to actually get me into it. I second shot and mentored with a few other photographers and then started booking my own weddings. I worked in biotech at the time and wanted a more creative outlet as well. Read more>>

Anna Chafen

Hi! I’m Anna Chafen, Senior Director of Development for the Alzheimer’s Association. For the past three years, I have overseen our Relationship Events portfolio across the state, including galas in Atlanta, Columbus, and Savannah, Georgia. Read more>>

Aide Ibarra

My journey into mental health coaching really began through my own healing story. Growing up, I experienced a lot of trauma and instability. I moved between different homes, endured abuse, and never truly felt safe neither in my environment nor within myself. Read more>>

Katherine Tuominen

I started my career in marketing over a decade ago, and I learned early that marketing is never neutral. It has the power to shape perception, build trust, influence culture, and amplify ideas at scale. Read more>>

Anastasia Allen

My story actually began 10 to 15 years ago. At the time I didn’t realize I was writing a book, I was simply writing for my own therapy. A way to sort out and deal with my issues, pains and fears. It helped me sorta see the picture clearly. I was in a difficult space in life, with relationships, both romantic and platonic friendships. Read more>>

Anthony D. Clark

Storytelling has always been a crucial part of my life growing up. Whether it was pretending to host a culinary show in my grandma’s kitchen or making up short stories on the playground, I was always telling stories to connect with people. The moment I realized storytelling would be my lifelong passion was the day I uploaded my first YouTube video. Read more>>

Brittany Windsor

I graduated from Vanderbilt University and was recruited to join Deloitte Consulting as a Business Analyst in Atlanta. After consulting for companies all over the country for three years, Deloitte sponsored me to earn my MBA from The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. I completed my MBA and returned to Deloitte as a Consultant, and I was promoted to Manager in only a year. Read more>>

Shanta King

This guy I knew told me ‘check out this link’ and let me know what you think, but I wasn’t sure what I was looking at. I asked questions but he wasn’t knowledgeable enough in the business to sell me. So I ignored it. Read more>>

Porsha Williams

Originally from Brooklyn, NY I began my spoken word journey in middle school which was focused on performing arts. My English teacher pretty much told me she was entering me into a poetry competition because she enjoyed a poem i created for one of her assignments. Read more>>

Jewel Benton

Since my childhood, I have loved reading and writing. For school and leisure, I consumed books, magazines, and radio robustly. I credit my parents and some of my teachers for my passion for literacy and storytelling. My interests in stories and interviews lingered with me to where pursuing Journalism as a major in college feels like a full-circle moment. Read more>>

Madelena Phan

Inspired by the success of emerging YouTubers, I began teaching myself how to create videos at around 12 years old. At the time, I didn’t have a clear vision of what I wanted to produce—I simply knew I wanted to create. What started with filming on my phone soon evolved into learning how to edit videos independently on mobile apps and software. Read more>>

Shar’kerian Keye

Well if we are going back I would start at 5 but that’s a story for another day. Read more>>

Casey Boyle

My story, honestly, begins long before the studio. For years, I was someone who cared deeply about other people’s wellbeing while quietly neglecting my own. I had the language, the tools, the awareness — and I was still running on empty in ways I wasn’t fully willing to admit. Read more>>

Takema Darby

My love for songwriting and hip-hop/R&B started with music videos that came on the BET. I used to study the lyrics of my favorite songs and favorite artist until I developed my own sound and voice. I started writing my own songs at age 11, but I started pursuing music professionally in 2012, when I turned 22. Read more>>

Ryan LaShay

My story has been one of reinvention, resilience, and learning how to trust the vision God placed on my life even before I fully understood it myself. I’m originally from Jackson, Mississippi, and I’ve always been someone with big dreams, deep creativity, and a strong desire to build a life bigger than my circumstances. Read more>>

Vasyl Popov

My name is Vasyl Popov, and I started my professional journey with a strong interest in business development, marketing, and reputation building. Over the years, I became involved in helping businesses strengthen their public image, customer trust, and professional positioning in increasingly competitive markets. Read more>>

Buffie Arrington-Spencer

My journey with Receptions For You began long before I officially opened the business. At 14 years old, while helping my mother cater an event at a venue, God gave me a vision. Read more>> 

Regi Yarbrough

My story really started in church and at home in Alabama. I sang my first solo at three years old, started studying piano around age eight, and from there music just became part of who I was. Over time I expanded into saxophone, arranging, composition, production, and really learning the full language of music. Read more>>

Nicholas Powell

I got started about 4 years ago taking up an old Canon EOS 300D camera my father had. From there I started taking pictures of everything around me and the camera came with me wherever I went. I continued to practice experiment with different things. Read more>>

Ariel Chavarro Avila

In 1970 I was born in the Central Andes Mountains of Colombia, I fell in love with the natural world and by inspiration and instinct I started drawing animals, flowers, insects, landscapes, plants, rivers and trees. Read more>>

Lopi LeiLani

Growing up, music was always playing in the background of my life. As a Black and Samoan woman, I was influenced by two rich musical cultures from an early age. Read more>>

Jessica Traylor

Wherever my husband and I travel, I find myself doing the same thing. Looking for my people. A courthouse, a cemetery, a church archive. My ancestors are documented across centuries. I can trace them to colonial Massachusetts, to counties in Georgia where they farmed and fought and left paper trails. Ryran doesn’t get to do that. Read more>>

Brianna Richardson

My creative journey began during therapy. I started writing as a way to process emotions, experiences, healing, and personal growth. What began as a private outlet slowly became something much bigger. Poetry and storytelling gave me a voice during a time when I was learning to better understand myself and navigate life more honestly. Read more>>

Kamal & Susan Dorsainville

Here is our Bio – Susan and Kamal Dorsainville are not just business owners — they are builders of vision, culture, and opportunity, guided every step of the way by their faith in God. Long before they stepped into the world of coffee, the couple established themselves as a powerful force in marketing, media, and production through their company, Total Media Group Inc. (TMG). Read more>>

Chantau Chambers

Ever since I was younger, I’ve always known I wanted to build something of my own. I think that ambition really took root from watching my father, who owned and operated a small grocery store in Kingston, Jamaica. I spent a lot of time there, after school, on weekends, even holidays just observing how he ran things. Read more>>

Dr. Dionne Robinson

My journey has been rooted in purpose, passion, and perseverance. I’ve spent over a decade as an educator in special education, working closely with students and families, and during that time, I witnessed firsthand how deeply confidence can be impacted by something as personal as skin health. Read more>>

Latierra Dewberry

Kuztom Kraftz started before COVID as a hobby and a creative outlet. What began with making custom tumblers, handmade epoxy creations, dominoes, and fun arts and crafts for family and friends slowly turned into something much bigger. Read more>>

Winona Shepard

I began making signs when I was 22. I fell in love with the creativity and freedom of designing and producing signs, It was a great feeling helping customers achieve their marketing needs. A few years later I broke off from being a manager and opened my first business at the age of 26. Read more>>

Bomkapr Kanu

My name is Bomkapr Kanu, and I am the founder of The Law Office of B. Kanu, LLC, an international immigration and cross-border boutique law firm. I hold dual U.S. and U.K. citizenship and am the daughter of West African parents. My life experience closely mirrors that of the clients I represent. Read more>>

Yanely Acosta

I actually started photography while volunteering at my local church on the Treasure Coast in Florida. I would take photos during events and special moments, and before long, friends and acquaintances started reaching out asking me to photograph their weddings, maternity sessions, and family milestones. What started very organically through community and relationships slowly grew into something much bigger. Read more>>

Maya Ellison

I’ve always been a very involved person. Growing up in Atlanta is such a privilege. As a kid, every club and extracurricular you can think of well that was me. Around the 3rd or 4th grade, I learned there was a media club. Read more>>

Anna Motso

My husband Dmitry and I are originally from Eastern Europe. After moving to Georgia, we really missed the rich, soulful flavors of the layered cakes, pastries, and comforting foods we grew up with. So in 2025, we started Ivano Eats in our kitchen in Jasper with a simple dream: to bring authentic recipes from our homeland here using high-quality, natural ingredients. Read more>>

Maia Treleaven

I am a woman of faith, purpose, and persistence, yet my story is still being written. With over 25 years in engineering, aerospace, and manufacturing, my ‘9-5’ is serving as a Quality Auditor with a global aerospace and defense manufacturer. Read more>>

Marco Eucker

I started with social media 10 years ago and I love fashion. In recent years I have realized that something has to change and I want to show that you can achieve a lot, even if you don’t have the perfect size or measurements. And that’s why I want to show with my story that you achieve your goals If you believe in it. Read more>>

Samantha Smith

My journey to creative entrepreneurship was born a bit out of necessity and a bit out of stubbornness. Read more>>

Patrick Sharp

Shortly after we were married, we discovered a shared love for design, architecture, and creating meaningful spaces. We began renovating and reimagining homes for ourselves, eventually becoming serial “live-in flippers,” moving ten times in twelve years. Each home became a creative laboratory for testing ideas, refining our point of view, and learning how thoughtful design can transform the way people live. Read more>>

Dahna-Esther Fearon

It all started in 2014, after losing my contract, I could not get another job. That was followed by other tragic events including the loss of my uncle in Florida, whilst travelling back to Atlanta. It was upon my visit to Atlanta and attending his funeral, I started getting a sense of purpose and change. Read more>>

Kim Jayde Robinson

I’m a proud Zimbabwean woman, grew up in a city called Bulawayo with traditional, old school values – but also traditional in the careers that women could go into. I came to South Africa to get my Honours Degree in Social work and psychology, and was modelling part time. Read more>>

Hailey Croan

I was born and raised in a small town in Alaska, and growing up I never fully knew exactly what I wanted to do, but I always knew I was creative. I’ve loved events for as long as I can remember because my mom always made holidays, birthdays, and gatherings feel so intentional and special. Read more>>

Amanda Helton

For 15 years, I had the privilege of doing florals on the side while raising my babies. During those years, I kept searching for what my next step in life would be as my children grew up. No matter where life led me, florals were always my passion. Bringing someone’s vision to life for their special day truly became my happy place. Read more>>

Alecse (Alexandre) Jardel

I’m Alecse, a French poster artist and the founder of Myretroposter. I grew up in a deeply artistic environment. My father was both an architect and a painter whose work was described as “optical surrealism” by Victor Vasarely and exhibited internationally. He took me to countless museums and exhibitions in France, and whenever we travelled abroad. Read more>>

Chad Milling

Over the years, my passion for creative expression grew—from art to music to fashion—the originality and boldness of my influences inspired me to be different. My love of collecting tees with original and imaginative graphics motivated me to start my own unique graphic tee business. My greatest influences for School of Rejecks stem from 90s pop culture—from LA Gears, Busta Rhymes, Duckman, and Child’s Play. Read more>>

Megan Strom

I’ve always been drawn to music, since I was a little girl. My father taught me some things on the piano at around age 8, and I’ve been hooked ever since! I was so addicted to music, that I even recorded myself singing on a boombox using a cassette tape! Those were good times! Read more>>

Carla B. Dorsainville

I’m a Haitian Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator, Birth Worker, and founder of Becoming Mama LLC, an Atlanta-born company with an international heart. Although I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, my roots run deep in Haiti, and in many ways, birth work runs even deeper—it’s in my blood. Read more>>

David Becker

The last straw for me was when I was working at a cabinet shop in S. Dekalb when my paychecks started to bounce! The Broken Chair was born over a beer with a good friend. The idea was to put my furniture repair skills to work that I had learned from artisans in the cities of Denver & Atlanta. Read more>>

Olivia Gunn

My entrepreneurial journey began about 10 years ago while working as a digital content producer in local news and as a radio personality. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation in storytelling, audience engagement, and strategic communication. Working in news not only exposed me to the broadcast side of communications, but also gave me a firsthand look at how public relations (PR) works. Read more>>

DR GAIL ‘Cookie’ GREEN

The decision to focus solely on building my travel business after retiring from a 30+ year career in education stems from my love of travel and my desire to assist others in making their travel dreams come true. I have always planned trips (from a single traveler to a group of over 145 persons) for family and friends, so why not earn money doing so? Read more>>

VIP View

VIP View started the way a lot of great things do —> unexpectedly. Hadiya and Sarah had always shared a love for storytelling and creative content, and with both of us coming from marketing backgrounds, we understood firsthand how much the right visuals can make or break a brand. Read more>>

Kelly McCarty

I grew up in the middle of Kansas, in what I can only describe as an aggressively musical household. Both of my parents were music teachers, so there were always instruments leaning against walls, rehearsals happening, and records spinning in the background. Music wasn’t something we scheduled time for – it was just always there. Read more>>

Maya & Mila

Our journey started when we moved to Atlanta from Minneapolis in 2008. We started working in PR in entertainment industry for red carpet events. Shortly after we relocated, we were impacted by the 2008 recession and had to pivot into the corporate space. Mila spent 14 years in the mortgage industry while Maya ended up in the insurance industry for 13 years. Read more>>

Layshawn Williams

Funny story ! In 2016 I came to visit a friend to help her move. Unfortunately I missed my flight to go home so I decided to stay. I noticed everybody on social media was doing hair at the time & I’ve always done my own hair. Read more>>

Natalie Johnson

I was exploring book reviews for Sister Souljah’s new book ‘Love After Midnight’ on Google and a tiktok video popped up and I clicked on it, it was various tiktok creators talking about the book. So, that took my down the rabbit whole of the book influencer community. Read more>>

Angel Long

Before Chilled Peach was a business, it was a Mother’s Day gift. Mother’s Day weekend 2021, I made my mom chocolate-covered strawberry roses and my grandmother’s banana pudding her signature recipe that’s been in our family for years. I made a full pan the way my grandmother always did, and we quickly realized it was way more than the two of us could eat. Read more>>

Steve Pak

My career didn’t start in the beauty industry. For years, I worked as a specialized mechanic in the dry cleaning industry, handling everything from equipment sales and installation to complex maintenance. This technical background gave me a unique eye for detail and a deep understanding of operational precision. In March 2019, my life took a new turn. Read more>>

Yanelisa .

When I was around 7 years old, I sang in front of a crowd for the first time through church. Around that same age, the church did a dramatization of “The Parable of the Lost Sheep” from the book of Luke, a Bible story told by Jesus about a shepherd who leaves 99 sheep to search for the one that is lost. Read more>>

Nia Paul

From a young child I knew I wanted to be an artist. I would see my sisters drawing extremely well, watching next top model & project runway & I wanted that. On my dad’s side, all of his siblings were taught how to sew & cook from a young age, growing up in Trinidad I guess it was a necessity to survive. Read more>>

Carson Howell

For as long as I can remember, I wanted to work in film and television… Really though, for better or worse, I am a ‘VHS-era-kid’. My family watched all the shows, regularly went to the movie theater and spent countless weekends wandering the aisles of Blockbuster or the local video store. Read more>>

Nicolas Burke

I’d say my journey has always been rooted in storytelling; I didn’t realize how many forms that would take when I first started. I began college at Valdosta State as a Visual Arts Major. Then I transferred to Georgia Southern University, where I majored in Graphic Design before changing my major again to earn my degree in Multimedia Film and Production. Read more>>

Esco Doll

I’m Alliah Escobar. My artist name is Esco Doll. Esco Doll comes from my last name Escobar. I was named after the singer Aaliyah, which turned out to be one of my favorite artists of my childhood. I’m a Singer/songwriter, Rapper, Dancer, Model, Producer, and Actress. My background story is tragic, inspiring, and powerful. Read more>>

Prince Gemin!

I started writing poems and short stories in middle school, which eventually evolved into songwriting during my senior year of high school. During college, I began independently releasing music under my government name, but over time I realized I wanted to create something bigger than just songs. I wanted to build an entire artistic world. Read more>>

Dr. Tahira Lee

My journey has been anything but traditional, and honestly, that’s exactly why I’m so passionate about the work I do today. I’m Dr. Tahira Lee, also known as “The Real HOPE Doc,” and I’m the Founder & CEO of HOPE Enterprises Inc., a purpose-driven organization focused on education, empowerment, entrepreneurship, media, community impact, and helping people transform their lives through HOPE. Read more>>

Willie Soul

Willie Soul’s story really begins at age 7, when he picked up his first electric guitar. There was no blueprint for it, but something about the instrument just made sense to him. He gravitated toward what he heard on the radio, what he felt in church, and eventually toward artists like George Benson, Wes Montgomery, and Marvin Gaye. Read more>>

Arkeirya K.

I was born and raised in Jonestown, Mississippi. I always had a love for music since a child. I always give credit to my parents and 5 siblings who are all individuals with a different favorite artist or different perspective when it comes to music. Read more>>

Danielle Pressley

I started photography in 2019 because I wanted to take better photos of my kids and create artistic, creative images that felt meaningful to me. At the time, I never imagined it would grow into what it is today. As I kept practicing and learning, people began asking me to take photos for them, and that’s when I realized this could become something bigger. Read more>>

Jonathan Thomas

My story is somewhat unconventional compared to the standard narrative of how many have chosen to pursue dance. I grew up playing sports such as Football & Track. It’s all I ever really knew. Read more>>

Zy’Mir Dixon

My name is Zy’Mir Imon Dixon, and I go by the music moniker of ‘King Mir Mir’. I was born on July 23rd, 2003, and I have been raised & currently reside in the state of Delaware. I have been making music for the past decade, starting out in the spring of 2016 as a 12 year old boy full of nervous excitement. Read more>>

Dylan Potenza

I’ve always loved planning – parties, trips, events, making lists, seeing every tiny detail through – so when it came time to plan my own wedding, I was ECSTATIC at the prospect. The vision came to me easily and I had a blast speaking with vendors, buying decor, DIYing things, and making spreadsheets. Read more>>

Benjye Peters

I was born in Brooklyn NY, then started school on the Caribbean island of Grenada before relocating to Atlanta. I began producing for local artists at the age of 11, & progressed into performing at age 14 with Mississippi transplants Farouc & Reddy, which gave me a foothold to network & establish my first placements. Read more>>

Samuel Patrick

I would say that music & connection are the through lines that tie my story together. From being a fan, to picking up drumsticks, to meeting incredible people who’s stories I wanted to share. I began my career documenting the hip-hop scene in Boston, where I hosted LFOD Radio & platformed artists through events & compilations of my own. Read more>>

Phillip Thomas

I’m originally from Rosedale, Mississippi. As a kid, I always wanted to move to California or Florida, and I was fortunate enough to experience both. I initially moved to California and started working as a personal trainer. Later, I transitioned into corporate America and have now worked in logistics as a corporate account executive now for the past 15 years. Read more>>

Jason Dozer

Got into singing and machining in my early 20’s in Kentucky. Moved to Atlanta in 2000 to pursue a career in singing, while supporting myself with working in a machine shop. Doing cover band work in Atlanta, I decided to make myself my own custom mic stand. Read more>> 

Nella Miller

I’ve always been deeply drawn to people, connection, and creating environments where others feel supported, confident, and genuinely cared for. Read more>>

Bre’Anna Mikell

Hey I’m Bre’Anna! I was born and raised in Statesboro, Georgia, and I’m now rooted in the Atlanta area. Honestly, my story truly started with a conversation. When I graduated from Georgia Southern University, I had a job lined up at the university; it was comfortable, it was familiar, and it felt safe. Read more>>

Tony Richards

No Books No Ball started in 1991 from a real place. I was a father, a coach, and someone who cared deeply about what was happening with young people in our community. I saw how much kids loved basketball, but I also saw that many of them needed more than a game. Read more>>

Nicole Butler Vegas

Starting Show Biz in 2021, Nicole Butler Vegas received her first taft hartley on her very first set ‘The Cleaning Lady’. Currently SAG and working on her 4th feature film as a main producer working along side Director/Writers Shawn C Phillips and Ethan Phillips. They have completed ‘Desert Fiends’, ‘Skate to Hell’ and ‘Desert Fiends ‘2 . Read more>>

Cooki Day

I started my wedding content creator business through my own personal content and discovering the idea through someone I thought was a friend at the time. From there, I decided to take the concept and make it my own. Read more>>

Austyn Schaffner

I’ve always had a passion for photography and storytelling, but for a long time I never truly believed it was so mething I could realistically turn into a career. Like a lot of people, I treated it as more of a dream than something I could actually pursue full-time. Read more>>

Dajnae Doss

Hello, I am Dajnae Doss also known as @DajnaeDoss on socials I am across platforms instagram, tiktok, pinterest and facebook I am a south side natural hair influencer, muse and model. Ive been creating & inspiring others to go natural for 4-5 years I first started off on tiktok and expanded on other platforms. Read more>>

Trudean Haye

My journey started with a desire to create something of my own while making a meaningful impact in the communities I come from. As a Black immigrant and multi creative entrepreneur, I have always been driven by both purpose and possibility. I began working in marketing, brand strategy, and communications, helping entrepreneurs build businesses that reflect who they are and what they stand for. Read more>>

Candicee Childs

My journey truly began in Savannah, Georgia, where I was raised with a deep appreciation for faith, education, and service. From a young age, I loved science and wanted to one day make a difference in people’s lives. Read more>>

Stephanie Walker

I go by the nickname ‘Steph Love’. I’m a native Washingtonian, born and raised in DC. Growing up here shaped me in ways I’m still unpacking. It wasn’t always the safest environment, and I had to grow up fast. Film and music are a big inspiration to me so I would use it to escape reality and create my own worlds to live in. Read more>>

Tatiadys Diaz

I started modeling 4 months postpartum. At the time, my confidence was a little shaken, but I still took a chance on myself and did my first appearance at the Worcester African Fashion Show. Before that, I was doing street model photography with Roberto Calixto, who constantly reminded me how photogenic I was and how natural I looked in front of the camera. Read more>>

Remi Jones

I started out as a television correspondent in New York City, interviewing independent artists. After about a year, I decided to branch out on my own and created Remi TV. From there, I began doing celebrity interviews while also highlighting business owners and entrepreneurs. Read more>>

Crisanto Jr Banuelos

Growing up, I was always drawn to anything creative. Music, dancing, acting — being artistic just came naturally to me. After high school, I decided to go to cosmetology school, and even though that journey didn’t completely fulfill me the way I expected, it still helped guide me toward what I was truly passionate about. Read more>>

Jazzlyn Kirkland

Hi I’m Jazzlyn and I go by Cookie Valentine online. I’m a pro makeup artist here in Las Vegas currently. I’m a small town girl from little ole South Bend, Indiana where I fell in love with all things music. Read more>>

Ayanna Williams

I’d say my journey into tech and wellness really happened organically. I’ve been in tech for over a decade now, and I actually got my start through Year Up United. From there, I worked my way up from help desk roles into systems administration and eventually into high-pressure government and enterprise environments. On paper, everything looked great. Read more>>

Traci Williams

T Design Solutions began in 2015 as a freelance creative service focused on event materials, promotional graphics, and design support for small businesses and community initiatives. While I had the talent and passion, I lacked the structure and strategic direction needed to fully build with intention. Everything shifted when I began pursuing entrepreneurship full time in 2024. Read more>>

Samantha Mallett

Glow Collective Chicago was founded two years ago by Samantha Mallett. GCC originally began as a walking club (formerly known as Lemon Pepper Steppas) as a way to be active and regularly have meetups scheduled with my friends. Read more>>

kayla Song

I moved to Massachusetts around 12 years old. My mother wanted her children to go to an performing arts school. I joined the show choir class and my wings grew from there. I started doing solos and then my school asked me to perform the national anthem for graduation. After that, people began reaching out asking if i could do the same for their schools. Read more>>

Jayon Jenkins

My initial start in hiphop was freestyling in the back of my grandmothers apartment with my cousins and having rap battles. After that I was a part of an after school music program where I began to make beats but pivoted over to rapping and fell in love with it. A few years later my friend J. Read more>>

Bre Seals-Rankin

How did I get here? Honestly, my dance journey really started in my living room. I’m originally from Atlanta, and growing up I was obsessed with old Disney Channel and Nickelodeon shows like Kenan & Kel, That’s So Raven, and In Living Color. I remember seeing the word “choreographer” in the credits as a kid and being completely intrigued by it. Read more>>

Hanna Elizabeth

My journey in the performing arts began at the age of six. I’ve always had a deep love for the arts. As a child, I would recreate scenes from my favorite shows and even create my own. Raised in Maryland, I began singing, acting, and dancing through church and school programs. Read more>>

Jamin Escudero-Zafra

Originally I wanted to become a drummer, 12-String guitar player, play in a Mexican group, and become an internet sensation. In 2018, I went through a very difficult time emotionally, mentally, and physically. Then reality struck like lightning during the Summer of 2019. My music career lasted about 2 years. I realized that there were limits that I was not prepared to pass. Read more>>

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>>