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.

Ben Spotswood

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Singing in church, school plays, long drives with the radio on. I took piano and guitar lessons growing up, but it wasn’t until I was 16 that something clicked and I actually committed to it. That was the turning point. Read more>>

Dynast Amir

My journey to founding Danfo wasn’t born in a boardroom. It was shaped on the track, on the football field, throughout a successful career in Corporate America, and ultimately across the African continent. I was a collegiate athlete at the University of Georgia, where I competed in track and field while also playing football. Read more>>

Alessia Cutting

My path to photography wasn’t traditional. Before becoming a photographer, I spent years as a Senior Sales Manager in the corporate events industry, where I learned the importance of creating meaningful experiences and paying attention to every detail. For the past ten years, I’ve called Atlanta, Georgia home, building both my business and my family there. Read more>>

Trenton Chase

I’ve always been heavily involved in music and the DIY scene, especially around Middle Georgia. What started as simply wanting to help local bands and give people a place to experience live music slowly turned into something much bigger. Read more>>

Roman Kotowski

I became the owner of a wedding DJ company through a rather odd route. I actually got started as an emcee doing events for elementary schools. It sounds funny, but I learned so much about communication by constantly switching between kindergarteners, fifth graders, and teachers. After a while, a personal friend asked me to host and emcee his wedding. The rest was history. Read more>>

Shervoski Moreland, Antwan Sessions, Lynxes Heard, Denise Latimer

Denise: DanceMakers of Atlanta opened 26 years ago with the mission to create a studio space where we could train dancers who wanted to take it further into professional life. We wanted to provide the level of technique training needed for kids to get into universities and even go on to professional dancing if they wanted to. Read more>>

Aubree Goldin

As of last year, I’ve had the honor of calling Braselton home! Moving to a new town where I didn’t know anyone was, honestly, a little intimidating at first. But I knew the only way to make it feel like home was to fully step into it — to explore, to show up, and to connect. And somewhere along the way, that’s exactly what happened. Read more>>

Oluwafunmilayo Ajao

My photography journey began right after I graduated from university in Lagos, Nigeria. I started from scratch, with no mentor or guide to help me navigate the industry. It wasn’t always easy, but with faith in God, determination, and a positive mindset, I kept pushing forward. One of my proudest early moments was receiving my very first booking through a referral. Read more>>

Jessica DeNardo

Photography, for me, started at a very young age when my grandma gifted me her old Canon Rebel 1 while I was in middle school. From that moment on, I was always taking photos at every holiday, sporting event, and family gathering. Read more>>

Hannah Mayuski

I actually started in sports, not aesthetics. My now-husband (boyfriend at the time) was working for a sports physical therapist, and he’d come home telling me about all the athletes he’d see working out there. I kept saying, “That’s so cool, show me a video!” and he told me they didn’t even use Instagram. Read more>>

Jabari Mobley

I grew up in Fort Pierce, Florida, and I’ve always had a deep love for movies and storytelling. As a kid, I was drawn to all types of films, from Bloodsport, Rush Hour, Deep Blue Sea, conjuring, interstellar, and love don’t cost a thing. Movies always felt larger than life to me, and they sparked my interest in how stories could make people feel something. Read more>>

Daniel Bonnet

My fitness journey didn’t begin because I wanted six-pack abs or because I was chasing a certain look. It started from something much deeper — fear, pain, and the realization that I didn’t want to repeat the cycle I was seeing in front of me. Years ago, my father was hospitalized with dangerously high blood pressure along with several other health complications. Read more>>

JJ Austen

I grew up acting in school plays and always loved the stage. After graduating with a BA in theatre, I moved to Atlanta and immediately jumped into on camera acting classes. Figuring out how the industry works was not easy, I thought work would just consistently fall into my lap, but that was not the case. Read more>>

dom sankofa

It truly started when I transferred elementary schools in the early 2000s. I had an art teacher who was really passionate about her job (S/O Ms. Beverly Barksdale) . She made art fun. So much so that I would integrate art into anything I did growing up. Read more>>

Steve Klebanow

Steve: I’ve always been fascinated by how exceptional customer experiences drive business success. I started a consulting company in college, then spent years in management consulting helping Fortune 500 companies improve their direct-to-consumer experiences. After too many flights, I joined Estée Lauder Companies as VP of Global Omnichannel, where my team ensured customers had seamless experiences across online, in-store, and third-party retail. Read more>>

Sharif King

My journey started in New York City, rooted in storytelling, culture, and connection. Growing up in Harlem and the Bronx, I was always drawn to media, music, sports, and the power of communication. I realized early that I didn’t just want to be part of conversations—I wanted to help shape them. That passion led me into broadcasting, journalism, and multimedia storytelling. Read more>>

Keishla Roman

My story really begins with my mother. When I was young, she suffered an injury that left her barely able to get out of bed. As a little girl, watching someone you love live in that kind of pain and not fully understanding why is something that stays with you. Read more>>

Nicole Brewer

I’m orginally from Detroit, Michigan but my family moved to Atlanta around 20 years ago or so. I have been based in Atlanta part time in the summers as I return back from living abroad in the Middle East (Oman) as an ESL teacher and influencer. I co-created I Luv 2 Globe Trot while first living in South Korea with my business partner Renee. Read more>>

Renan Calderon

I grew up in Mérida, Yucatán, México. Music was always around me, rock first, then electronic music. Both were always there. But it wasn’t until I was 24 that I picked up my first instrument, the guitar. From there, something shifted. I started spending every free hour I had learning, tutorials, classes, whatever I could find. It became an obsession. Read more>>

Mark Hattori

Music has always been a big part of my life! My parents put my in piano lessons when I was 3 years old, and I also was very active in playing music at church in my youth group’s band. Read more>>

Natalia Tamariz

Hi, I’m Natalia Tamariz, and I’ve been a photographer for over 13 years. I originally wanted to become a writer, which is why I studied journalism. But everything changed when I picked up a camera—I became curious, and that curiosity turned into a passion. I kept learning, exploring, and growing. Today, I have a degree in journalism and one in photography as well. Read more>>

Todd Iliev

I started out in music. Played in a band, toured Europe and the States, and alongside that I was working as a live sound engineer at venues across Europe. So for a long time, music was pretty much my whole world. But I was always drawn to the video side of things too. Being on tour, being on set for shoots… Read more>>

Savannah Archer

I am a disability advocate and coach for neurodivergent adults navigating autism, ADHD, burnout, isolation, personal relationships, work, continued education, or entrepreneurship. I myself am autistic, ADHD, anxious, and living with chronic pain. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree at 20 years old and found comfort in hyper independence. I also found myself isolated. Read more>>

Jade Muse

From a young age, I’ve always appreciated living a natural lifestyle. One of my first big decisions was choosing to wear my hair naturally instead of getting perms. After telling my mom, she said I would have to learn to style my own hair — so I taught myself how to braid. Looking back, that was one of my first steps into natural living. Read more>>

Alex Rocha

I started as a Spanish Interpreter when I was still in high school and quickly developed a love for law and helping with the language barrier. I worked my way up from receptionist, file clerk, legal secretary, paralegal, and senior paralegal in multiple fields of law. Through my career I have worked for over 30 attorneys and multiple prestigious firms. Including 4 Judges. Read more>>

Diamond Woods

My story began when I was a little girl. At just 8 years old, I was experiencing deep grief and emotional pain from witnessing my parents fighting all the time. I felt alone, frightened, and uncertain about the world around me. Somehow, even as a child, I intuitively knew how to call forth an ancestor for protection and guidance. Read more>>

Lorneshia Cooper

I got started simply through having a passion for working with children and families. As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to work with children in some capacity. When I was younger, I thought that meant becoming a doctor, but over time that vision evolved as I gained more experiences and exposure. Read more>>

Chris Hobe

I started my art career painting tshirts geared towards hip hop culture each shirt was handpainted and I would sell them down at the underground, from there i started wholesaling the one of a kind handpainted tshirts nationally. Once I built up the painted tshirt brand I branched off and started painting originals on canvas and selling them at festivals nationwide. Read more>>

Marisu Fernandez

My journey began with a deep passion for business, creativity, and understanding people consumer behaviors. I studied Economics with a specialization in Business and Marketing, but beyond academics, I was always fascinated by how brands could create emotional connections and impact culture. Read more>>

Anitra Terrell

Reflektion Design is an Afro modern lifestyle brand for people who love heirloom quality decor and gifts that reflects who they are. We work with artisans in Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda to produce an assortment of handmade tableware, throw pillows, jewelry, baskets, kaftans and more. In 2006, I spent eight weeks in Ghana, working as a Fulbright Scholar and textile buyer for a museum client. Read more>>

Octavia Gilmore

Creative Juice started from a simple but powerful belief: brands deserve marketing that actually feels human. When Octavia Warren founded the company, she wasn’t trying to create “just another agency.” She was building a creative space where storytelling, culture, strategy, and community could all exist together. Read more>>

Cozy Jaa

My name is Cozy Jaa, I am the Founder of Cozy Family. I was born and raised in New London, CT and I am now based out of New York City. I grew up in a family of 8. I have ADHD, which I love about me because it helps me creativity and it got Cozy Family to where it is at today. Read more>>

Elyse DeMoya

I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember, but art became much more than a hobby for me over time. It became a way to process emotion, identity, change, and the constant tension between who I was and who I was (and still am) becoming. I believe colors can express more than words can. Read more>>

Maria Fundora

I immigrated to the United States from Cuba in the 1960s with big dreams and a deep belief in hard work, faith, and family. Read more>>

Cassidy Mashburn

My grandparents, Alvin and Sherrie Mashburn, purchased the farm back in the early 2000s when it was just overgrown fields and one little black barn. While I was in elementary school through highschool I watched them develop the land into a hobby farm: digging four large ponds, stocking them with fish, creating pastures for black angus cattle, llamas, and more of our ‘pets’. Read more>>

Chandell Shorter

Pastor M. Chandell Shorter is a visionary entrepreneur, prophetic voice, author, and transformational leader whose life’s work bridges beauty, business, ministry, and community impact. Read more>>

Isley Malone

Isley Malone: The Brand Building Boss At 40 years old, Isley Malone is stepping into one of the most impactful seasons of his life — not just as a leader, but as a visionary entrepreneur helping others bring their brands to life. Read more>>

Amber Noel

Polished Lifestyles was created from my passion for beauty, confidence, and helping people feel their absolute best. What started as offering eyebrow and lash services quickly grew into a luxury beauty and skincare experience centered around healthy, glowing skin and self-care. My journey wasn’t easy or overnight. Read more>>

Billi Andreas

My journey started in the East side of Macon, Georgia, in a community called Davis Homes. Growing up in the projects, you learn things early—empathy, survival, faith, and grace. Looking back, that struggle was the best part of my upbringing because it taught me that I deserved a different life, not just for myself, but for the people I loved. Read more>>

Aretta Baldon

I’m a storyteller at heart — one who happens to use photography, research, strategy, and community engagement as my tools. My journey started long before I ever picked up a professional camera. I grew up deeply curious about people, culture, and the stories that shape communities. Read more>>

Culdasac Kid

Cul-Da-Sac-Kid — real name Raylun Barlow — is an independent rapper and multi-talented music artist carving out his own lane in the hip-hop world. Born in Indiana and raised on the south side of Atlanta, Cul-Da-Sac-Kid brings a unique blend of Midwestern grit and Southern flavor to his sound. Read more>>

Niko Millz

I was born in Miami, which is where a lot of my influence comes from. I moved to Atlanta when I was really young and have been here ever since, but that Miami energy always stuck with me. Music was everywhere growing up. My dad was a huge hip-hop head, while my mom loved soft rock, jazz, R&B, reggaeton, and house music. Read more>>

Taye Martin

My story honestly started with a Bluetooth speaker, an iPad, and a whole lot of faith. Before any of this, I worked in the medical field right up until COVID hit. Music had always been part of my life growing up. I played clarinet, piano, and percussion, but somewhere along the way I learned exactly what a “struggling musician” looked like. Read more>>

Amadi Chapata

I’ve always felt like performance chose me before I even understood what it was. My mom (Zandra Hall) and dad (Arthur Chapatah) both do what I want to do — they act, sing, write, and produce music — almost like they passed the baton to me. Some of my earliest memories are being surrounded by creativity. Read more>>

Ian Daniel

Being that my dad was managing a rap group called ‘Durtyville’ back in the early 2000’s, occasional studio visits were the norm. As I got I got older, I began writing my own songs, and eventually recording myself. I had been in the studio to have my songs recorded professionally, but over time, the need for it began to dwindle. Read more>>

Tania Vasser

Once Upon a Slime actually started because I wanted my kids to spend less time attached to screens. One day, my daughter, who was about 6 or 7 at the time, suggested we make slime together. I went out, bought all the supplies, and we jumped right in. It was fun, but it was also a complete mess. Read more>>

Tiffany Sumler

My journey has always been rooted in education, creativity, and entrepreneurship. I spent over 16 years working in Baltimore City Public Schools, where I served in various leadership and instructional roles, including master teacher, staff developer, department head, and mentor supporting both students and educators. Read more>>

Harold ‘That Man’ Justice

My background is in sales, marketing, information technology, and data analytics. I was introduced to the beer, wine, and spirits industry in 2020, and I quickly realized that many of the same strategies used in technology and consumer analytics could be applied to the beverage space.  Read more>>

Mareva Bone

My story really starts with two things I’ve always loved: telling stories and figuring out why things work. I grew up in San Diego, was raised in Seattle, and now I’m here in Atlanta thanks to my dad who was a Marine and then went in to Aerospace engineering. Read more>>

Fred Morrison

My journey is a story of growth, resilience, and turning challenges into opportunities. I started promoting events at just 16 years old back in North Carolina. What began with small house parties eventually became the foundation for a career and lifestyle that completely changed my life. Read more>>

Paymon Hossein

I’m Paymon, and I make music under the name Varsity Dropout. I’m a Chicago-based Iranian American artist making alternative folk music rooted in vulnerability, grief, and human connection. Music has always been therapeutic for me. Growing up, I often felt misunderstood and stuck between identities. Being biracial, I sometimes felt like I wasn’t “Persian enough” for one group or “American enough” for another. Read more>>

Chris Lawery

I got the photo bug from my dad. He used to take tons of photos when he traveled. When he returned from a trip, he would put together slideshows, and that hooked me. I then started as a photographer in high school on the yearbook staff. After high school, I went to a college to learn photography. Read more>>

David Yoakley Mitchell

David Yoakley Mitchell graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (BFA-96) and studied photography and anthropology. Attending ART School was transformative and set the course for my life in every way. He is the Executive Director of the Atlanta Preservation Center. Read more>>

Osime Ugbodaga

I am a storyteller. Film and music are the ways I tell stories. I’m from Lagos, and I came to Atlanta in 2022 to study film. Music found me not long after. My roommate and best friend, Tyler Shuler, and I used to go out shooting music videos for upcoming artists around the city. Read more>>

Tanisha Tucker

My journey into the culinary world started long before I ever stepped into a professional kitchen. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, and growing up as the oldest of nine children, food was the vibrant heartbeat of our home. Read more>>

Chanda Felder

I grew up on the South Side of Chicago with a heart for helping people and a passion for making a difference. Even from a young age, I found joy in encouraging others, serving my community, and being there for people during difficult times. My life experiences, faith, and personal challenges helped shape me into the woman I am today. Read more>>

Osharia Daley

I’ve always been drawn to helping people through major life transitions, even before I officially entered real estate. My journey started in financing, where I gained insight into the financial side of homeownership, and later moved into home inspection marketing, which gave me a deeper understanding of homes and the process behind the scenes. Read more>>

Deivis Subashi

I was born in Italy and started my journey as a content creator with a passion for fashion, lifestyle, and beauty. Through social media, I’ve been able to collaborate with international brands across fashion, beauty, travel, and luxury lifestyle while growing a community of over 1 million followers. Read more>>

Kane Kuhtti

I’ve been in and out of trouble since the age of 15. I am now 32 years old and I’ve been musically inclined since I was about 7 years old. I was taken from my mother at age 10 years old from meinz- Kastel , Germany and relocated to Lawton Oklahoma where I began my musical journey recording, shows, ect. Read more>>

Angela Murray

My journey into beauty started long before I officially became a business owner. Creativity, beauty, and entrepreneurship were always around me especially growing up watching my mother run her own beauty salon, Glamorama, which planted the seed for what would later become my own path. Read more>>

McKaylah Bristow

Like most dancers, I started dancing at the age of three. I of course, immediately loved it, and I have never seen myself becoming anything other than a dancer when I was growing up. When I was 13, I gained a new interest in choreography. Read more>>

K$haun Kortéz

I’m originally from South Carolina, but Atlanta is where I really started shaping myself as an artist, actor, filmmaker, and creative. I’ve always had a love for storytelling, music, film, and building worlds that feel honest to real life. Read more>>

Gail Turner-Cooper

My journey into this work really began through my own healing and spiritual awakening. Like many people, I went through periods in my life where I felt disconnected, overwhelmed, and searching for deeper meaning and true wellness beyond just treating symptoms on the surface. I’ve always been naturally intuitive, but for many years I didn’t fully understand or embrace that part of myself. Read more>>