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.

Christopher Hooker

At 39 years old, Christopher Hooker has built a career defined by creativity, resilience, and dedication. Born and raised in Newark, Chris developed a passion for fashion and design at an early age, using art and personal style as a form of expression growing up in one of New Jersey’s most culturally rich cities.  Read more>>

Rob Monford

Although he did not land the role due to not yet being a SAG member, the experience sparked a deep appreciation and love for acting and filmmaking. Since then, Rob has continued to embrace the entertainment world as one of his true passions, inspired by determination, growth, and the pursuit of opportunity. Read more>>

Aniya Stamper

Today, I Stand as the 2025-26 Carthage College Full Tuition Transfer Student Scholar. With a solid scholarly foundation in Web Development and Design, I’ve integrated my passion for technology and community into my work. Acknowledging my prescience to simply show up not only for myself but for my digital communities as well. I desire to elevate and better myself, but one day at a time, through strategic action – I know I’ll make it. Read more>>

KB Vega

I realized that the more I talk about my story, not only would it help my healing process, but might help others too. I started to share what I went through on IG, which then led me to incoporate my love for fashion along with helping people, and that’s when my brand, inspiher empire, was born. Read more>>

Zena Dixon

Professionally, I built a successful career in technology while simultaneously becoming a real estate investor and developer during the height of the pandemic. Real estate initially started as a wealth-building strategy, but quickly evolved into something much bigger. I became deeply passionate about helping women better understand ownership, investing, and financial independence in a way that felt approachable and empowering. Read more>>

Lissete Vega-Barbosa

I started by doing hair and makeup for family and friends, but mainly my mom.. she would always ask me to do her hair and makeup for events. She likes her glam a specific way which is where I learned to do what we call now “soft glam”. I started freelancing makeup and hair about 10 years ago now, but since I became a mom of 3 I took several breaks in between. I started back up about 2 years ago now where I have been doing what I love more consistently. Read more>>

Harmony Kubiak

I’ve felt extremely fortunate to have met production folks who I became friends with early on – I feel that helped me on my path. Covid was a struggle. Not knowing if I needed to find a new path was extremely hard, but knowing I survived Hurricane Katrina, I knew it would only be a matter of time before things “went back to normal”. Read more>>

Steven Finley

Often painting to the soundtracks of Frankie Knuckles that is where the bridge between my painting & selecting collide. Disco & House music serves as an escape for Black & Latino queerfolk during the late 70s, early 80s & that deep connection to identity, liberation, & community has led me to where I am today.. Read more>>

Kiana Venturini

A huge part of my mission is changing the way people perceive chronic and invisible illness. I wanted to create something that reminded women that living with chronic illness does not make you any less beautiful, social, creative, confident, stylish, ambitious, or deserving of joy and community. So often, conversations around illness focus only on survival, and while those conversations are important, I also wanted to make space for softness, self-expression, connection, and feeling good. Read more>>

Leslie White

Out of that necessity, Noire evolved into an ecosystem built on three core pillars. First is Intentional Proximity, which is the belief that simply being physically in the right rooms can completely change your trajectory. Second is Community, and the importance of showing up for each other consistently. And finally, Curated Wellness and Movement, because I realized early on that you cannot build generational success if you are running on empty. Read more>>

Neji Ichiban

Not at all, probably the most bumps in any road ever honestly. On top of missing out on a lot of family memories, there’s a huge risk in injury everytime we go out there. I remember I broke my jaw and had to take several months off to recover and was absolutely miserable because of the pain but especially missing out on my love of pro wrestling. Some of the harder times of my career but I bounced back and Hit the ground running harder than I did when I started! Read more>>

Cheyenne Crawford

I never expected the opportunity to make my living as a photographer, but when I discovered real estate photography through a family connection, I knew right away that I found a calling worth pursuing. It was my “ikigai” – the perfect intersection of my strengths and passions, and I could get paid for it?! I was hooked immediately. My analytical brain loves the methodology and structure, my artistic brain loves the creativity that could be discovered in restraint, the people-person in me loves the clientele: Realtors and their clients. Read more>>

Kottavei Williams

Beyond my professional work, I am a mom-preneur and mother to five remarkable sons, ages 18–26 — including two sets of twins and a middle child — and, more recently, two wonderful daughters-in-love. They are my greatest inspiration and the reason behind everything I build, create, and pursue. They are my why. Read more>>

Anjel

we’re not only the artist, but also the songwriter, creative director, audio engineer, social media manager, marketer, content creator, and promoter all at once. We put an incredible amount of work into building our careers from the ground up. At times, it can feel discouraging trying to share your art in a world so focused on trends, virality, and what’s considered “in season.” Sometimes it feels like you’re pouring your heart into something only for it to hit a wall. Read more>>

Adrian Dailey

So when we created Dailey Fit Club, we decided to build the kind of fitness space we wished existed. A place where soca, dancehall, hip hop, R&B, afrobeats, and culture could live inside the workout. A place where people could sweat, dance, heal, laugh, and feel seen all at the same time. Read more>>

Antonio Jones

Antonio has traveled throughout the United States hosting pop-up events and marketing his brand, while also having sports celebrities like Stephen Jackson & Allen Iverson wear Rough Feathers apparel. He was selected as a participating designer for the Harlem Fashion Row Retreat in New York and has been featured on the streaming platform Tubi (Dirty D series, Nasty 2022 and Gangster’s Daughter 2023). Read more>>

Chrishaun Williams

I don’t wanna sound crazy but it’s like I always felt like a silent voice was leading me to my direction even though I can’t really describe what type of voice it is it was always something telling me to do something and it was always showing me what will happen if I do that within my imaginations. I would pursue that direction that was giving out and literally see the results of the vision at the end. That showed me Gods power and I always kept faith even in the rain. Read more>>

Natondra Powell

However, the guidance of my elders encouraged me to stay the course. Herbalists, naturopaths, and allopathic physicians practicing more holistically, people who had walked the road before me, advised me to stay. They reminded me that my presence in medicine mattered. I was told that my ancestors demanded it, and that the way would be kept open for my success and for the healing of my community. Read more>>

David Sincere Aiken

In high school I founded the competitive crew Queenz Finest, winning across NYC and appearing on 106 & Park, Showtime at the Apollo, and Good Morning Denmark. My choreography opened doors to work with Beyoncé, Pharrell, Daft Punk, Chaka Khan, Smokey Robinson, Ashanti, Wayne Brady, and Teyana Taylor, plus touring with Keyshia Cole. Read more>>

Natheree Lackey

More struggles being honest is being a BLACK CONFIDENT MODEL, a lot of people look at it as competition but it’s just you standing in your WORTH. Also this year alone , grieving has been a major impact. Loosing my granny which was one of my biggest supporters changed me significantly but I will say I also know she’s right there cheering for me every step I take & every breath I make. Read more>>

Ashley Jeter

I was drawn to its versatility. This field offers endless opportunities across industries, from aerospace and automotive to medical devices, prosthetics, and even packaging. After graduating high school, I attended The University of Alabama, where I studied Metallurgical Engineering and Material Science. During my collegiate years, I had internships at Deloitte and NASA. NASA was my first experience in the Aerospace industry and I fell in love with it. Ever since graduating college, I have worked for a top aerospace and defense company. Currently, I am an engineer, moderator, conference speaker, mentor, panelist, and career coach. Read more>>

Ryan Gayle

From hard hits, to devastating slams and downright torture like maneuvers these are what has set myself apart from the average indie wrestling on the circuit. I’ve been able to market this character from Alabama to Indiana, Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi, Delaware, Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania & especially my home state of Maryland. Read more>>

Gloria Faikai

In 2020, with God first and the unwavering support of my family and friends, I took a leap of faith and officially launched Mini Confetti by Gigi. Five years later, I am grateful and blessed to continue creating memorable experiences and bringing my clients’ visions to life through creativity, thoughtful design, and attention to detail. Read more>>

Sam Milinazzo

Grew up in southern Maine and went to Boston to study at Berklee College of Music. Spent 14 years in Boston working as a professional DJ and Audio Engineer. Worked for Berklee College for 4 years supporting the program I attended before taking a leap of faith and moving to Atlanta. Read more>>

Sara Bateman

My name is Sara and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist. My path to becoming a therapist has certainly not been linear! As a teenager with ADHD, PMDD, and other learning challenges, I spent most of my energy just trying to get through school. Read more>>

Skya Daniels

I’ve always been interested in content creation, even before I knew what an influencer was. I remember being in high school watching YouTubers all the time and thinking, “I want to do that too.” The problem was that I cared too much about what other people thought, so I never started because I was afraid of possible opinions. Read more>>

Swyype S

I’m from Detroit, Michigan, and creativity has always been a big part of who I am. I started making music as a way to express real life experiences, thoughts, and the environment around me. Over time, that passion turned into something much bigger. Read more>>

Aaron Smalls

Here’s the short version. I calculate energy for a living. The longer version starts with a kid who was supposed to be an engineer. Born in St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, raised mostly in Florida, I was two and a half years into a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Central Florida when everything changed. Read more>>

Theo Griffin

My name is Theo Griffin Jr., born and raised in New York City—and yes, Go Knicks! Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in New York surrounded by culture, creativity, and street expression helped shape the artist I would become. Read more>>

Dennis Day

The journey began in the trenches of elite digital agencies like AKQA of Georgetown and Homebrew in Burbank CA. At that level, code is never just utility—it is a premium canvas. Working as a front-end developer and creative engineer, I learned how to translate a brand’s soul into motion, pixels, and interaction. Read more>>

Jeff HOUSTON

I’m Jeff Houston, a Louisville-based photographer, videographer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of 502 Fragrances. My creative journey started with a simple love for storytelling and capturing moments that make people feel something. While working full-time at Ford Motor Company, I began teaching myself photography and videography, spending countless hours learning my craft, taking on small projects, and building relationships within my community. Read more>>

Jack 13TH

I am JaKaylen Smalls, but I create and perform under the name Jack 13TH. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, music, and creative expression. What started as a personal outlet gradually evolved into something much deeper. As Jack 13TH, I’ve spent years developing not only my sound, but also a larger artistic vision that blends music, storytelling, and visual expression. My path hasn’t been traditional. Read more>>

Wale Aliyu

Growing up, my parents would have the news on in the background and I would be like this is boring. Can you please put on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air? There wasn’t really anybody who looked like me behind the desk and I just couldn’t relate. So how did I go from the guy asking to change a channel to the guy actually behind the desk? Read more>>

Sarah Lambeth

Originally from South Alabama, I moved to New Orleans in 2015 to chase a job in specialty coffee. Started working in coffee shortly after leaving college & got a job at a shop down the street in Mobile, AL. After traveling to ATL to train with Counter Culture Coffee. Read more>>

Bill Yoder

My journey began in 2001 when I took a one-year sabbatical from my Computer I.T. profession to intern on an organic farm. Upon completion of the internship, I had made a firm decision to start my own small organic farm. I knew that I could not quit my profession altogether as it was not economically feasible. Read more>>

Mesita Partridge

I’ve always loved bringing people together and creating memorable experiences. In 2016, I officially launched Events by Mesita with a simple goal: to help people celebrate life’s biggest moments without the stress. What started as a passion project quickly grew through referrals, repeat clients, and a commitment to providing exceptional service. Read more>>

Brooke Moore

Basketball has been a part of my life since I was eight years old. As I became more involved in the sport, I fell in love with it and knew I wanted to play at the highest level possible. I started playing AAU basketball, and everything began moving in the right direction. The game opened doors for me, providing exposure and opportunities I never imagined. Read more>>

Breyona Cooper

My entrepreneurial journey started from a desire to create a better future for myself and my son. As a single mother, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of balancing motherhood, personal growth, and financial stability. Those experiences pushed me to look beyond traditional paths and explore the digital space. Read more>>

Evan Givens

I’m Evan Givens, but most people know me as SadGod. I’m a photographer and poet from Detroit who fell in love with photography at the Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. What started as curiosity turned into an obsession with documenting feelings, memories, and the things people don’t always have words for. Read more>>

Dennis J. Trimble

I didn’t get into real estate through a traditional path. Before this business, I spent many years in hospitality and aviation as a flight attendant, where I learned how to truly take care of people, stay calm under pressure, and navigate high stress situations with lots of patience, professionalism and empathy. Those experiences shaped the way I serve my clients today. Read more>>

Latoya Jenkins

Assistant store manager right now but one day I will have my own store and my name rather it’s a restaurant or a clothing store I’m not giving up I’m staying down until I come up I’m waiting patiently everyone give up not me it’s will take me a lot to fall I’m very humble I just have to wait my time Read more>>

Jacqueline Jackson

I started making cocktails in my basement and would invite friends and family over for holidays and game nights. I always got great compliments, which built up my confidence and made me realize how much I truly loved doing this. I decided to go to bartending school to take my passion to the next level, get certified, and really master the craft. Read more>>

Taylor W Of Hot Bird ATL

As someone with a past and bartending, I was looking for a way to be able to use all of the different assets of my personality in a way that can help me build success for myself and the people around me. Read more>>

Kyla Minotti

I’ve always been a very creative and super ambitious child. From playing in make up at 3 thinking I was a princess to being 6 thinking I’ll be a pop star like Brittany spears. I loved dance, I loved theatre , I love art. I knew I wanted to be a star I knew I wanted to be someone big! Read more>>

Moeda

Simply stated I want to become the representation that I wish I had growing up. Ive been doing different mediums of art since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until sophomore year of high school where I took it seriously. Read more>>

Lillie Hale

For the career I have now, I got started by streaming during the pandemic in 2020. I solely streamed out of boredom, but I realized I had a passion for entertaining others overall. I didn’t stream that consistently nor did I truly care about the content that I created, I just used it to pass time. Read more>>

Shijun Munns

I was born and raised in Foshan, a historic city in southern China known for its rich artistic traditions, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. Growing up, I spent much of my childhood wandering through old streets and traditional neighborhoods, surrounded by architecture, folk art, and everyday beauty that quietly shaped my artistic sensibilities. My journey as an artist began when I was ten years old. Read more>>

Roosevelt Robinson

Born & raised in Ga. I grew up on the Southside. I love food and trying new restaurants & experiences. I would post food spots on instagram. It help me meet other people & find new restaurants. I got married and had kids. So I had to find a career to provide. Real Estate seemed like it was a calling. Read more>>

Joshua Bolen

My name is Joshua Bolen, and I am the founder of Fashion Honors Autism. My journey began long before the organization was created. Growing up, I faced my own challenges, including ADHD, a learning disability, and a speech impediment. I often struggled with confidence and feeling like I fit in. Read more>>

Jaquita Williams

At 34 years old, I made a decision that would change the trajectory of my family’s future. I wanted to become a homeowner so my children could finish growing up in a home that belonged to us. I remember sitting down with a lender at Bank of America to discuss purchasing a home. Read more>>

Bermuda Peedee

Bermuda Peedee (born Hezekiah Rawlins Phillip) is an independent, up-and-coming hip-hop artist and rapper. Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and raised in New York, his music blends contemporary hip-hop with melodic elements and collaborative rap styles. He is widely recognized for his frequent associations with the collective ⁠LT Music Movement. Read more>>

Tiarah Shelton

I am an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and creative director dedicated to making high-end concepts accessible. My journey began in 2021 with the launch of my clothing line, born from a desire to bridge the gap between luxury, high-fashion looks and attainable affordability. This venture allowed me to curate sophisticated styles for individuals who appreciate an elevated, ‘boss-themed’ aesthetic without the premier price tag. Read more>>

Mwanje Thompson

My story begins with God, family, and faith. Everything I have been able to build and become is rooted in the grace of God and the foundation my family gave me. Growing up in Milwaukee, I was surrounded by people who taught me the importance of hard work, service, creativity, and staying grounded in who I am. Read more>>

Taj Pace

I have been drawing since I was a kid. I always love drawing cartoon characters. When I was a kid I used to draw my own made up characters and cut them out and played them like toy, creating my own action figures. I came from a family of artists. Read more>>

David Alexander

My story has never been a straight line, but looking back, I can see the thread that connects it all: people, storytelling, community, and growth. I started my career in brand building and field marketing, spending over a decade with companies like Red Bull and later working with brands in the fitness, beverage, and wellness space. Read more>>

Shelby WeirZ

Wedding by Weir, as a business designed for love stories was founded on the same exact beautiful romantic premises. I was in Florida as a music director for an orchestra and Jonathan was 1500 miles away in Boston. As with most modern love stories we met online. Our church had this amazing platform to meet single Christians all over the world. Read more>>

Sherika and Jerome Brown

We started from nothing absolutely nothing. You will hear people call us like a mom and pop business. Read more>>

Kennedi Curry

I’m originally from Gastonia, North Carolina, where faith, service, and community were foundational parts of my upbringing. My late grandfather was a bishop, and my mother currently serves as a pastor, so from an early age I was surrounded by people who dedicated their lives to helping others. Looking back, having a heart for people was always woven into my story. Read more>>

Kate Walsh

Katie Bop is a dream come true. It was a surprise to myself when I started Katie Bop, though, looking back, maybe I should have seen it coming. When I graduated from high school in 2021, my sights were set on getting a degree in international business, so I could land a job that paid me to travel. Read more>>

Milly Betancourt

I was born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut to a Puerto Rican household, where community, hard work, and caring for others were always a big part of life. Before entering the wellness industry, I earned both my Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies and my MBA in Entrepreneurial Studies from Bay Path University. Read more>>

Ricardo, Mirelka Albino, Ingles

Vitalistic Wave Chiropractic was founded by husband-and-wife team Dr. Ricardo Albino and Dr. Mirelka Ingles, who share a passion for helping people achieve better health through a holistic and patient-centered approach. Both of us were born and raised in Puerto Rico and later moved to Georgia in pursuit of higher education and professional opportunities. Read more>>

Debbie Cook

Dee Cook is a visionary leader, faith-driven entrepreneur, and two-time bestselling author whose work spans nonprofit leadership, global ministry, and business innovation. As Founder and CEO of Annie’s House Foundation, she champions youth aging out of the foster care system — giving them a foundation, a future, and a fighting chance. Read more>>

India Nellon

I’ve been a licensed Master Cosmetologist since 2016, and I’ve always had a passion for the beauty industry. I’m originally from LaGrange, Georgia, but I proudly serve clients throughout the Columbus, Georgia area. I started doing hair while I was still in middle school and continued focusing on hair for many years. Read more>>

Thomas Elliott

Thomas Elliott here, aka DirtySouthFoodie. I didn’t start as a food content creator. I started as a kid peeling spring roll wrappers for 25 cents a pack in my family’s business back in Jesup, Georgia. We were the only Thai family in town, and food wasn’t just something we ate, it was our life. Read more>>

Emily Olson

My story starts in Colorado Springs, CO. That is where I grew up and spent most of my childhood. During childhood, I loved to sing. Read more>>

James Wiggins

Creativity and art were a calling when I was probably 10 years old. Art was a refuge and I have no doubt saved me from a life of mediocrity at best. I was raised by a single Mom who was an actress and artist. I came to Atlanta, from a small town in N. C., in 1978 at the tender age of 19. Read more>>

Ashley Mitchell

Growing up with severe asthma at a young age, I experienced firsthand how healing and caregiving can impact someone’s life. My mom, who was both a nurse and massage therapist, would massage me to help me relax during difficult moments and eventually started teaching me techniques herself. Healing, nurturing, and caregiving have always been a part of my family and how I was raised. Read more>>

Alex Klein

My journey into entrepreneurship started long before launching Digital Vibes Studio. I’ve always had a background in marketing, branding, sales, and client relationship building, and over the years I gained hands-on experience working directly with brands and consumers in fast-paced environments. Read more>>

Franchesca Davis

I’ve always been drawn to storytelling. Acting was my first love, and over the years I’ve pursued it through theater, film, and independent projects. What started as a passion for performing eventually grew into a desire to create opportunities not just for myself, but for other creatives as well. That desire led to the founding of Cre8 Productions. Read more>>

Imani Okwuosa

Yes, I would love to share my story. I grew up in Nigeria for sixteen years of my life before moving to the United States in 2019. I like to say that was where I found my love for acting. We did not always have power back home due to regular outages, which was common in Nigeria. Read more>>

adi levhar

It all started in early 2019, following the birth of my eldest daughter, Maya. Like many new mothers, I found myself navigating the overwhelming waters of postpartum depression. Read more>>

Dhayana Alejandrina

I began writing at nine years old while growing up in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in a home where creativity, curiosity, and self-expression were deeply encouraged. My parents created a safe and nurturing space where my voice could take shape without fear of judgment, teaching me early on that my thoughts, imagination, and stories mattered. Read more>>

Tanya Miller

I am a mother, Georgia State Representative, Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and a distinguished trial attorney with more than two decades of courtroom experience. Read more>>

Ashley Bell

My name is Ashley Bell, and I am the owner of Miss Perfect Cleaning Services LLC, a professional residential and commercial cleaning company serving the Metro Atlanta area since 2016. I launched Miss Perfect Cleaning Services with a vision to provide dependable, high-quality cleaning services while building a brand known for professionalism, attention to detail, and exceptional customer care. Read more>>

Jaime Dee

My journey really started in radio. In 2019, while earning my Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland, College Park, I began working at a community radio station on campus. That’s where I fell in love with broadcasting and discovered my passion for connecting with people through media. Read more>>

Stephanie Grey-Goosman

My path to becoming a therapist has really been shaped by both my professional experiences and my own mental health journey. After graduating from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, I spent some time working in a corporate-style environment and then in customer service. While these were valuable experiences, I started to feel a deeper pull toward something more meaningful and human-centered. Read more>>

Kalothe1

My story started almost ten years ago, right outside my garage while I was taking out the trash. I got a call from Barbizon Modeling and Acting School saying a friend had referred me. At first, I thought it was a scam but, something about it felt real, so I told my parents and encouraged me to go for it! Read more>>

Natasha Blair

My husband and I founded Naki Properties in 2018 with a vision of acquiring, rehabbing, and building residential properties. Before launching the company, I spent 17 years building a career in technology, leading business analysis, operations, and process improvement initiatives. Read more>>

Mike Kramer

Chaplins Roswell opened in 1987 by Daniel Kamran, and Jospeh Redford. Shortly after opening they started doing Karaoke and quickly became known as the best Karaoke show in Atlanta. They successfully ran the bar for almost 40 years before the new owners Mike Kramer and Jobe Gruber bought the bar and continued the Karaoke Tradition. Read more>>

Ky-Yonni McCleary

Kustom Kreations, LLC was founded in September of 2016 while I was creating a few plaques for my partners fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. My partner and his line brothers asked me to create their plaques for their probate since they knew I had niche for creativity. Read more>>

Naomi Lodge

I started my business as a sophomore in high school at 15 years old selling handmade waist beads. A trip to go visit my dad turned into a business idea. Was at the mall one day and man was standing at a cart selling waist beads, my dad bought me 2 and I was super happy. Read more>>

Christia Clarkson

I’ve always had the gift of gab, and I definitely got that from my mom. Growing up, I watched her command every room she walked into. She had a way of connecting with people that was effortless, and I admired that so much. I knew early on that I wanted to have that same presence and ability to build relationships. Read more>>

Emily Tatum

I started in the wedding industry as a photographer and spent about 10 years capturing weddings and special events. During that time, I had the opportunity to work alongside couples, families, planners, and vendors, which gave me a deep appreciation for the amount of work and care that goes into creating meaningful celebrations. In 2023, I began coordinating weddings at Timbers on Etowah. Read more>>

Daniel Michel

I saw an opportunity to give young creatives a space to learn, grow, experiment, and collaborate. We’ve had our doors open for theee years and have hosted an array of events. Read more>>

Arjun Sethi

I’ve been around music for pretty much my whole life. As a kid, my weekends were spent helping my dad lug heavy CD cases and gear into events. At the time, I didn’t realize those long days were laying the foundation for what I’d eventually do myself. Read more>>

Alvin Sun

My mom, Amy Lee, started vending every year at the local Chinese New Year Festival in Chinatown Shopping Center in Chamblee. She and my grandmother served many meals, including Boba Milk Tea and Taiwanese nuggets. all to help raise donations for an orphanage in Tibet. Read more>>

Kat Wood

I have always loved photography and creative expression. I’ve had the fortune of getting to know and spend time with many other insanely talented artists, and over the years I’ve been lucky enough to watch, learn and be inspired by them. Read more>>

Antonia Hardin

I started performing at a young age. I can remember being a toddler singing in the church choir. Then my mom would put me in plays at First Baptist Jonesboro and that’s how I began my journey on stage. In middle school, I started participating in the Clayton County, all county musicals, and really began to enhance my craft. Read more>>

Ciera Walker

Growing up, my greatest passions were reading, writing, and speaking, so a future in journalism was always the plan for me. High school was around the time when I started taking pursuing it as a career seriously; attending journalism camps and summer writing programs within my state. Read more>>

ellie greene

Hi, I’m Ellie Greene. I lived all over the USA, and spent 10 formative years in Australia. I didn’t come from money. I didn’t have connections, a safety net, or anyone handing me a roadmap. What I had was hunger and the audacity to believe I could figure it out. Read more>>

Dr. Nicole Garner Scott

My story has always been about access, strategy, and becoming fluent in rooms I was not born into. I grew up understanding the value of hard work, but I also learned that success is often determined by access, relationships, information, and capital. That realization has shaped nearly every chapter of my career. Read more>>

Carissa Walker

It all started on the first day of middle school when we were picking our connection elective. A nervous yet anxious 6th grader rotated around the musical classes: chorus, band, and orchestra. The orchestra teacher at the time was Ms. Bridget Long, and she demonstrated all of the orchestra instruments, which caught my eye. Read more>>

DJuana Okotete

My journey really started with writing long before it started with publishing. As a child, writing became an outlet for me. I leaned heavily into poetry to help navigate traumatic experiences, and I often escaped into fiction worlds when reality felt heavy. I began writing about things I felt, things I noticed, and the emotions I didn’t always know how to express out loud. Read more>>

Shawn Brokemond

Before I write my story I wanted to mention: My primary home market is the San Francisco Bay Area, where I am based and coach clients year-round. However, Atlanta has become an increasingly important market for my business through the wellness retreats and adventure experiences I host there. Read more>>

Bethany Forrest

Sure! I have always loved music, books, colors and flavors. In fact, my earliest memories are of being read to by my beautiful Mom & Dad, in the kitchen learning how to cook with my Grandmom, and holding hands & dancing with oldest sister, Terri, and and family during holiday gatherings…. Great times! I suppose it’s no wonder why I work in events now! Read more>>

DeeDee Trotter

I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, and sports weren’t a part of my life at all. Everything changed when my parents divorced and my mom, brother, and I moved to Atlanta. Looking back, what felt like one of the hardest seasons of my childhood ended up becoming one of the greatest blessings of my life. Read more>>

Chris “Iamcity” Mungin

My name is Chris “City” Mungin, entrepreneur, media personality, and founder of Pulse 101.3. My journey has never followed a traditional path. I’ve spent years building businesses, working in property management, and finding ways to create opportunities not only for myself but for others around me. Throughout my career, I’ve always been passionate about communication, community, and helping people tell their stories. Read more>>

Anaya Cimoné Howell

I am an Atlanta-born Writer, Director, Musician, and U.S. Army Veteran. Read more>>

Jason Accilien

I work in the medical field as an Echocardiographer. When i was 19yrs old i was a college dropout living at home in Miami where im from originally. Read more>>

CC Gilmore

I’m a Georgia native, raised in the Metro Atlanta area, and entrepreneurship has been part of my journey since I was 18 years old. Right out of high school, I became a cosmetologist and eventually owned two hair salons while earning two business degrees. Read more>>

Paige Moyer

My journey started in healthcare. over two decades ago, but I found my true passion in aesthetics. I built Rooty Aesthetics from the ground up with a focus on root cause protocols in skin and body health, education, and helping people feel confident. Read more>>

Alisha Bright

I have been journaling and writing stories for as long as I can remember. After going through a time of much change and uncertainty, I started writing the I Love Me journals. I wanted more from my career. I was stressed as a mother and I was working as a nurse during Covid. Read more>>

Kashaveli

Right now, I’m in a season where I’m truly thriving as an independent artist and creative. What makes this chapter meaningful is that everything has been built organically through consistency, real-world experiences, and belief in my vision Over the past few years, I’ve focused on creating more than just music — I’ve been building a recognizable brand and identity people can connect with. Read more>>

Dr. Shayda Nematollahi

Heal ATL Counseling & Wellness was founded in 2018 by my business partner, Brittany Hewitt, and I (Dr. Shayda Nematollahi). Brittany and I actually met as coworkers early in our careers as therapists, and it quickly became clear that we shared a similar vision for what mental health care could be. Read more>>

chastidy ellis

Im CHAZZY an independent R&B singer, songwriter based in Charlotte, NC, and music has always been a part of who I am. I started singing in church at a young age and later joined selected choir throughout school, which helped shape my voice, confidence, and love for performing. Read more>>

Allie McAllister

My journey began as a board-certified Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner (DCNP), where I fell in love with the clinical side of skin health. However, my ultimate passion has always been about much more than just the science of aesthetics. It’s about helping patients look and feel like the absolute best, most confident versions of themselves. Read more>>

Jamila Sampson

I’ve always loved the performing arts. My background is in theater, so I’ve spent years studying performance, storytelling, stagecraft, and what makes an audience truly connect with a show. Over time, I realized I wasn’t just interested in music—I was interested in creating experiences that leave people feeling like they were part of something special and well-crafted. Read more>>

Remi Matthews

Remi’s journey into entertainment began long before her first acting class or audition. From a very young age, she was an emotionally expressive child who naturally connected with people and their stories. When she watched movies, she often formed deep emotional connections with the characters and could easily empathize with what they were experiencing. Read more>>

La’Tonja Milhouse

From the Runway to the Room Where It Happens: The Journey of La’Tonja “Sweet T” Milhouse Some women are born knowing their purpose, others have it awakened in them, ignited by a single moment that splits life into before and after. Read more>>

Aimbriel Lasley & Brittany Williams The Legacy Collective Community

TLCC was birthed March 28, 2026. The organization was originally a program under another organization and grew to be much bigger than what was imagined. Brittany and Aimbriel successfully ran this program for two years and had a vision to grow this into something much bigger. Read more>>

Tai Habersham

I grew up in a small town, Midville, GA. My dad is a pastor, and both of my parents raised me in church, so faith and music have always been a major part of my life. I quickly found a love for singing and music. By 13 years old, I was directing music and playing piano in church. Read more>>

Sydni Bougere

My story started long before I ever stepped onto a yoga mat. I grew up in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, a small town with a big family and a ‘go, go, go’ mentality that was all I ever knew. I was always involved, always pushing, always performing for the outside world. Read more>>

Dave Howington-Jara

Bow Wags opened in 2011 by then owner Tina Thomas. My husband and I were one of her first customers where we brought our 2 fur babies over the next 6 years, In 2017 she had decided to close Bow Wags and after talking over several weeks my husband and I purchased the business from her. Read more>>

vaso Egnatashvili

My career began in healthcare and medical-related industries, where I developed a strong appreciation for the connection between nutrition, wellness, and preventive health. Over the years, I gained experience in healthcare, consumer health products, and international business, which ultimately inspired me to launch Pomona Organic. I founded Pomona Organic with a simple mission: to provide clean, organic juices made with real ingredients and no additives. Read more>>

Shyheim Stephens

My journey began with a passion for music and creativity more than 15 years ago. What started as recording music and learning the creative process evolved into a lifelong commitment to the arts. Over the years, I developed skills in recording, audio engineering, songwriting, videography, and content creation while building my own brand as an independent artist and entrepreneur. Read more>>

HOPE King

I had my son in 2015 and shortly became a doula because I saw the need in the community for birth and postpartum support. I’ve been a doula for 10 years and have but able to support mothers when they needed it the most. Through my time as a doula, mother and care giver I saw another need in my community. Accessible personal hygiene products. Read more>>

Kaahani and Co.

Kaahani & Co. was founded by two marketing graduates (Muskaan + Fariha) who are obsessed with social media, storytelling, and capturing life’s most meaningful moments. We saw a growing need for authentic, real-time event content that people could relive and share immediately. What started as a passion for content creation quickly turned into a business focused on weddings, engagements, cultural celebrations, and special events. Read more>>

Alysa Jackson

My journey into this work really started with a simple desire to help people feel better. I’ve always been fascinated by the body’s ability to heal and the impact that touch, movement, and education can have on someone’s quality of life. Read more>>

Alice Trahant Phillips

I grew up in New Orleans, where creativity isn’t reserved for artists — it’s woven into everyday life. People there decorate everything: their houses, their porches, their outfits, their cocktails, their cars. You absorb an appreciation for color, humor, and self-expression long before you have a word for it. My grandmother was the queen of the kitchen-table art project. Read more>>

Greg Langford Langford

I was born and raised in Winder, Georgia, the fourth of five children in a hardworking Southern family. From an early age, I learned the value of community, resilience, and finding humor wherever I could. Those lessons would later become essential to my survival. By my early forties, I was struggling with alcoholism and the cumulative weight of unimaginable loss. Read more>>

Beejay Jones

My name is Beejay Jones, and I’m a hip-hop artist from New York. I started making music about nine years ago as a way to express myself and tell my story. What began as a passion quickly turned into something I wanted to take seriously. Read more>>

Paula Reynaldi

I was trained as a cellist in my hometown of Buenos Aires, Argentina. When I came to the United States, I changed my career to the visual arts. I studied sculpture, carving, welding and ceramics, and then completed a masters in Art Education at at the University of Georgia. Read more>>

Lisseth Herrera

My name is Lisseth, and I am the founder of Total Love & Care, a postoperative recovery and wellness business based in Georgia. I started this journey from a genuine passion for helping people feel cared for during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives. Read more>>