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.

Vinny Pacifico

Started Wrestling at the age of 14. Started to travel as soon as I was able to have matches. Trained by the Ring of Honor Wrestling dojo. They gave me a strength to start and so much knowledge. Read more>>

Brooke Wright

Back in the early 2000s, my mom, Connie, and I shared a love for hunting down antiques and vintage treasures. We filled our homes with our finds, and when we ran out of room but didn’t want to give up the thrill of the hunt, we opened a small booth at a local antique mall. Read more>>

Chandra Moye

Growing up in Atlanta shaped who I am and the values I carry today. I graduated from Redan High School before continuing my education at Mississippi Valley State University, Georgia Southern University, and Capella University. Professionally, I spent the majority of my career in Information Technology, where I developed strong skills in leadership, operations, and problem-solving. Read more>>

Ashla Johnson

I got my start in real estate full-time several summers ago—nine, to be exact. It feels crazy to say that out loud because I can’t believe how much time has passed. In a nutshell, I had relocated back to South Florida from Atlanta a few years earlier and was trying to find my footing again. Read more>>

Kimara Nicholas

I moved to Georgia from New York City in 2015 due to having severe mental depression disorder. Moving was the best decision I made for my children and myself. Living in NYC was literally killing me mentally, physically, and spiritually and I had to do something drastic to save my life. Read more>>

May Anne Jordens-LaFlamme

After high school in 1991, I took the one-year modelling course at Sheridan college in Oakville Ontario, and through there was selected by an agency in Toronto. I modelled on and off for about 10 years, and also did some acting. During that time, my agent asked me to try out for a pageant, and I ended up winning. Read more>>

Fonda Sloan

My story is a journey of faith, strategy, and resilience, built on the belief that everything must be done ‘decently and in order’ (1 Corinthians 14:40). It began in New York within healthcare administration, where I mastered operational excellence. Eleven years ago, I brought that drive to Atlanta, shifting from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Rosemary Gilmore

I fell in love with storytelling at a very early age. My grandmother worked in New York City, and she would take me on trips to see Broadway musicals. All I ever wanted to do was escape into the world on stage. Read more>>

Amber Mccreary- Madison

The original HAIRCRACCKK is a woman, black owned hair care business FOUNDED by the young entrepreneur, and mogul AMBER MADISON, Highly Favored and sought out Under the umbrella of the historically popular black owned Bronner Brothers Beauty Products is now discontinued. Read more>>

Nneka Mogbo

I grew up in Douglasville, Georgia in a Nigerian-American household. Went to Douglas County High School where I was in the International Baccalaureate program. I think that upbringing planted something in me early. Read more>>

Nelly B

I’m a proud HBCU graduate of THEE Spelman College. I always knew I wanted to become an attorney because I had a passion for solving other people’s problems and wanting to see people thrive. I got a scholarship to attend Georgia State University College of Law and the rest was history! Read more>>

Meliss Jakubovic

My entrepreneurial journey has been a little unconventional. For almost two decades, I’ve been an online marketing strategist, helping coaches, healers, and small business owners grow their businesses through marketing, lead generation, and systems. At the same time, I’ve always had a passion for building businesses and finding opportunities where I can genuinely help people. Read more>>

EbbTheCeleb

Ever since a young age, I’ve been enamored with music. I always felt like music understood and validated all the different sides of my being. I’ve always been interested in the arts: film, fashion, music, photography, etc. but I never intended to have a career in it. I went to a Kendrick Lamar concert with my friend Jordan in 2017 for the DAMN tour. Read more>>

Dayna Laribo

It was New Year’s Eve, I was contemplating with myself on whether or not I truly wanted to continue my career in law or actually be happy and proud of what I do for a living. I’ve always been a fan of nail techs. How they can literally sculpt, build, paint nails into actual art always amazed me. Read more>>

JoeLeo Moss

It was as simple as needing something I couldn’t find. I was going out for the weekend and I needed a shirt with something green on it. I went from department store to department store. I just couldn’t find it. I went to get a haircut and broke down my frustration to my barber. Read more>>

AR

i’m from Little Rock, Arkansas. a place that doesn’t get much credit for launching creatives, which probably shaped how i move. i’ve always been drawn to things with taste, things that feel intentional. that instinct got sharpened in the Navy, where precision and purpose aren’t optional. Read more>>

Elijah Mayfield

Elijah Mayfield is a 12-year-old rising artist born in Atlanta and young entrepreneur carrying forward a powerful musical legacy as the 3rd generation of legendary Curtis Mayfield. Inspired by his father Cedric Mayfield . Elijah began his musical journey at just 7 years old, quickly developing his voice as a singer, rapper, and performer. Read more>>

Dr Debra Eastern

Westside Creamery Desserts was launched in February 2014 as Atlanta’s first mobile dessert food truck. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team (Llew & Debra Eastern). We have over 20 flavors of hand-dipped artisanal ice cream and sorbet. We rotate six flavors per truck event. Read more>>

Matt Page

Matt Page is a professional artist, designer, and tattoo artist whose creative journey spans more than 15 years across fine art, design, and tattooing. As the son of a military family, Matt spent much of his childhood moving from place to place, attending 14 different schools before graduating high school. Despite the constant change, one thing remained consistent: a passion for art. Read more>>

Brendan Lee

I got my commercial photography degree (AA) from Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville, GA. Moved to Boston, MA to assist commercial photographers but ended up going back to my original degree (Chemistry) and working in chemical laboratories. Moved back to Georgia in 2013 and continued working in laboratories. Read more>>

Brandon Stewart

A native to Phoenix, AZ. I’m a very curious type. I enjoy reading, especially about new wonders in tech and the lastest in what’s going on in the world. Very friendly, down to earth and ready to be a helpful and healing force to the people! I’m an artist, for many years I’ve done music. Read more>>

Jayshre Wallace

My journey in the hospitality industry started in Panama City Beach, where I began bartending during spring break. It was a fast-paced environment that taught me the fundamentals of customer service, multitasking, and creating memorable experiences for guests. In 2012, I moved to Atlanta and began working at Treehouse Pub, where I spent the next 12 years honing my craft as a bartender. Read more>>

Nathan Banks

I’ve always been interested in clothes, even when I was a kid in elementary school. Fashion was something that naturally caught my attention, but for a long time I didn’t really see it as something I could pursue seriously. Growing up, I spent a lot of time trying to fit in and dress the way I thought other people expected me to. Read more>>

Marta Beatriz (Tiss) Aguilar

My Story: My story has never followed a straight line — and, in many ways, that is exactly what has shaped it. I was born in Argentina, where words, images, music, and emotion are very much part of everyday life. Read more>>

Donnell Hayes

Im Haze aka (WhoGotDaHaze), from Cleveland, Ohio, raised in Decatur, Georgia. After being self taught to engineer in high school, I went to study audio engineering at SAE Institute, I built a career working with artists across Atlanta, eventually becoming an in-house engineer for a studio and label. Read more>>

Emmaus Yonas

Eric Harris and I have known each other for 10+ years. We’ve been really good friends since freshman year of high school. 4Keys officially started in August 2025 after we successfully teamed up to capture a handful of events, ranging from birthday parties to a nonprofit educational fest. Read more>>

Laquita (Elle B) Brown

I’m Elle; a musicallv inclined, meticulous and self- motivated St. Louis native. I also go by ‘Cousin Quita’ (heyyy cousins). A quick learner, who’s candid yet reserved with a sense of humor is how I would describe myself. Mentoring our youth is one of my biggest aspirations. Songwriting is my love. Read more>>

Myah McDonald

Roehouse Collective began out of my own personal search for feminine touches for my locs. I was constantly frustrated by the lack of beautiful, high-quality hair accessories that could comfortably accommodate thick natural hair. That spark grew into a beautiful intersection of my design background, my appreciation for community, and my personal journey. The name itself is a deliberate play on words. Read more>>

Traé Scott

I started writing music when I was 13-14 all stemming from me loving poetry in middle school and I loved for all my poetry to rhyme. Read more>>

Jamez T.

I’m Jamez T., an Atlanta-based film director, producer, creative director, and founder with more than 25 years of experience across film, music, and visual branding. Formerly known professionally as King_Yao (King Yao), I built my early reputation working behind the scenes on tours, music videos, photography, and creative campaigns that taught me how to connect stories with audiences. Read more>>

Tabitha Fielteau

I’ve been designing womenswear since 2014, creating collections that focused on a woman who is chic, sophisticated, and smart. As my design career grew, I expanded into custom bridal wear, where I learned the importance of fit, craftsmanship, and creating garments tailored to each individual woman. My passion for design eventually merged with another passion in my life—motorcycling. Read more>>

Alaysha Harden

I’m Alaysha Harden, the heart behind Innerlace. I’ve always been a creator at heart, fueled by a restless imagination and a deep wonder for the souls I cross paths with. My early years earthside were a bit of a storm. Resources were thin, and heavy shadows of anxiety and PTSD eventually followed me into adulthood. But creativity was my life raft. Read more>>

William Rembert

My story is unique because I planned to have three careers in my lifetime. I went to the School of the Art Institute of Chicago a year after graduating from high school and dropped out after two years. After working for a few years, I decided to join the Army Reserve. I had always wanted to be a soldier as a little kid. Read more>>

Q Nard

I grew up on the west side of Macon, Georgia. Starting as a child all the way throughout my teenage years I was always artistically and creatively, active in school and in church regularly. Ever since I could remember, I was always singing and into clothes and hair and fashion altogether. Read more>>

Darcy Harris

The foundation of my story has always been rooted in resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurship. My father was paralyzed in a logging accident before I was born, and watching both of my parents navigate life with strength and self-sufficiency shaped everything about how I move in the world. I learned early that you can rebuild, reinvent, and create something meaningful—no matter the circumstances. Read more>>

Michelle Golden

When I was a child, I always tried my hand at whatever craft my mother gave us to do during the summer. Whether it was painting, sewing, or another creative project, I eagerly joined in. My mother was a true artist in every sense of the word. Read more>>

Sherese Shanise

Established in 2013, Sleek Chic Hair Salon has become a community favorite, fueled by passion, dedication, and a strong unwavering faith. We’re all about integrity, leveraging our core values into everything we do. Our guests rave about our seamless, no-wait experience that keeps them coming back for more! <br> Read more>>

Mbele Kongo

I am a natural born Psychic Medium, Priest and Certified Reiki Master. . My gifts were nurtured through spiritual support, study, global travel, life’s experiences, and a sincere passion to be a service to others. My dedication lead to Oya’s Market Metaphysical Shop, #RandomReadingsSaturdays and my guest appearance on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Season 10, Episode 9, Wrath Of The Peaches, The Elephant Room. Read more>>

Joseph Samson-Re

I grew up in Maryland as a child then moved to Virginia. I was playing hardcore music in a band called “INDYPENDANT”in Richmond Virginia. I move to London for some time then moved to Atlanta in 1999. Read more>>

Nick Valencia

I’m Nick Valencia and Atlanta is my home. It wasn’t always, but it is now, and we’re not going anywhere. I was born and raised in LA. Not the Los Angeles you’re probably think of when you close your eyes. My version involved immigrant families, a huge Asian and predominately Filipino influence, and of course, cholos. Read more>>

Dearick ‘D-Millz’ Milton

I probably had no choice but to end up a musician given my father is a pianist and both my parents are singers. My dad was always over the ministry of music at church, growing up so I grew up around soul-feeding music since early on. Eventually growing up in a split household, most of my music taste was inspired by my mom. Read more>>

Nathanael Smith

I grew up in Stone Mountain, GA, started piano lesson when I was 6 years old and continued to play all the way through high school. I went on to receive a BM in jazz performance from Florida State University and a MM in Jazz Studies from Georgia State University. Read more>>

Amanda Spitz

Growing up baking with women in my family, for special occasions. I loved the way homemade treats made people smile. Baking was a part of celebrating in our family. Fast forward to having my own family, and I recognized the passion I have for baking cookies. I love to bake everything. My specialty is sugar cookies. Read more>>

Krystal McCalla

The Story Behind The Balm Department At just 8 years old, my life changed forever when I was adopted. While my journey wasn’t always easy, it helped shape the person and entrepreneur I am today. Even as a child, I always had a passion for fashion, beauty, and skincare. Read more>>

Pat Fiorello

Few people would have predicted that the little girl who dreaded third-grade art class—mainly because she couldn’t stand hearing her teacher constantly remind everyone to ‘clean up the paints’—would one day become an internationally recognized artist. Yet Pat Fiorello’s path has never followed a predictable script. Before ever picking up a paintbrush professionally, Pat built a successful career in the corporate world. Read more>>

Kristy Larsen

I come from a long line of artists and musicians; creativity is woven into my DNA. As a child, I occupied my time by listening to records, drawing, and filming home movies with my brother. Through the years I’ve embraced many creative ventures: pottery, painting, graphic design, playing drums. Having a creative career wasn’t something I chose; I simply couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Read more>>

Reuben King

I have two interests at the moment: real estate and stocks. I have seen the power of real estate so it is an asset class that I cannot ignore. My dad owned rental properties all of my life. My family would spend weekends at these properties cleaning and fixing up houses to rent. Read more>>

Julian Rugel

I began my journey as an independent author just over three years ago. I am since responsible for several series of books such as The Time Travel Football Club; a dystopian journey through the history and foundations of the beautiful game. Read more>>

Tyler Ford

I started creating content about 10 years ago after watching YouTubers and thinking, ‘I could do that.’ Looking back, I probably always knew I’d end up in front of or behind a camera in some capacity. As a kid, I was directing, filming, editing, and acting out mini-movies by myself, and I wouldn’t even go on vacation without vlogging the entire trip. Read more>>

Imani Wani

my name is imani wani moses the founder and executive director of smile for peace innovation center, i started smile for peace innovation center in 2024 may, i used to move in my community , reaching out to people, asking them about their lives ,their stories. Read more>>

Karli Walker

Short answer – I started doing voiceover work in 2015 due to a post-college graduation career crisis. The long answer is an assorted history of discovering myself as an artist. Growing up, I was a visual artist. The public schools I attended in Maryland were heavy in the arts, and my best friend and I were those kids that always had a sketchbook in hand. Read more>>

Paul Darden

Okay so I started writing when I was in college in The Bronx New York when I was doing my undergrad program. minoring and education and majoring in history I wanted to create something that represented the classroom that I sat in not just mine but just about every classroom Nationwide worldwide. Read more>>

TAMIKA MORRISON OKELEKE

I started out in my early twenties with a simple dream: the freedom to live life on my own terms. To get there, I took a corporate route after graduating from college, landing at an international Fortune 500 company. I absorbed corporate culture for seven years at the top levels. Read more>>

Keith White

So my journey began on a 500 acre family farm in Metter, Georgia where we produced cotton, tobacco, soybeans, and more, but has taken me to hippo and crocodile infested waters in wooden dug out canoes and seeing some of the most beautiful places the world has to offer. Read more>>

Kim E. Jones

I am a New Orleans native, author, community builder, and proud mother whose work has always centered around people, connection, and belonging. In 2020, alongside my friends Tammy Collor and Niatra Bell, I co-founded Don’t Count Yourself Out (DCYO), an online community built on encouragement, inclusion, and belonging. Read more>>

Ben’swish’ Fessahaye

I started production and audio engineering in my hometown of Tampa FL in early 2020 and from that point I worked with the biggest and best artists in my area producing mixing and recording and also managing a couple studios simultaneously. Read more>>

Brianna Frost

My journey began when I was a little girl watching Beyoncé perform. Something about seeing her on stage ignited a spark in me that never faded away. From a young age, I felt a deep calling toward creativity and knew that dance, performance, music, and fashion would always be a part of my life. Read more>>

40 Abioye (Ah Boy Yay)

Ive been writing and performing music since I was 7 years old in Flint Michigan where I was born and raised! The Suicide of my younger Brother Jermaine ‘Blazze’ Alford in 2014, whom I did music with as a group since we were kids is what inspired my move to Atlanta GA! Read more>>

Jay Precise

I started in music at five years old. My mother played piano and drums, and my father played the bass guitar and had a singing group. I started learning piano at an early age; around that time, I was raised up in the church singing in the choir. Read more>>

Madi Leaver

Hello, my name is Madison Leaver, though I like to go by Madi. I am a young woman who grew up in a small town in Louisiana. I have always had a huge passion to pursue art and to surround myself with creative people. From elementary to high school, I was a part of the Talented Arts Program specializing in visual and theatrical arts. Read more>>

Brittany Long

I am from Atlanta born and raised. I grew up on the north side in Gwinnett County after high school I moved away and went to college in South Carolina at Benedict College. From early on I always enjoyed doing hair and making others feel and look pretty. Read more>>

Pamela Bentley

It may sound cliché, but from a very young age, I knew I wanted a career centered on helping others. As an undergraduate, I was introduced to the field of physical therapy and immediately connected with its approach to healing. The ability to help people recover and improve their quality of life without relying primarily on medications or surgical interventions strongly resonated with me. Read more>>

Latosha Moore

I grew up in the shadows, doing what other people wanted me to do. I didn’t understand that it was okay to feel, think for yourself, or simply live for yourself. My life started young and fast. I was learning to be a mother and a woman at the same time. Read more>>

Suave World

I was originally born in Houston, Texas. My mother relocated to Atlanta when I was 3 years old and later married. I have 2 siblings of which I am the middle child. We ended up settling in Arbor Crossing Apartments in Decatur where I played backyard ball with J.I.D. and his older brother Izzy. Read more>>

Shukura ‘Lady Shack’ Cha-Jua

I am from New Orleans. I’ve always been around music. My family comes from a church background, and my great-uncle pastored a church that was right next door to where we lived. We were there constantly—singing in the choir, participating in church programs, and being immersed in music from an early age. Read More>>

Enin Jzar

My story begins long before At Ease ATL had a name. I grew up in a family where care, community, and entrepreneurship were part of everyday life. My family owned a small business for most of my life, and I was able to see firsthand what it meant to serve people consistently. It was not just about selling something. Read More>>

Joachim Froment

Foundations and Early Lessons My trajectory began at La Cambre in Brussels, where I cultivated my core design sensibilities. I then deepened my expertise with a Master’s in Product Design from the Royal College of Art in London, graduating in 2017. Read More>>

Lauren Swanson

I was the first of my close friends to have kids, so when they started becoming pregnant and entering the postpartum season, they naturally turned to me with questions. I found myself walking alongside them through pregnancy, birth prep, newborn care, feeding questions, emotional support, and all the little unknowns that come with becoming a parent. And I loved it. Read More>>

Shoney

The stage is not a stranger to Shoney; it is a space shaped through early church experiences where she first learned to discover and develop her voice. Her natural boldness in voice, creativity, and personality—an unmistakable “it factor”—is a gift she attributes to God, and one that continues to resonate with diverse audiences. Read More>>

Kevin Taylor

My story really starts at a piano, long before the studio. I grew up in Alabama in a house where gospel was the soundtrack on Sundays and jazz was playing the rest of the week, and I was classically trained from a young age. Read More>>

Lexi JaNay

I’m Lexi JaNay, a content creator, model, creative director, and entrepreneur based in Atlanta, Georgia. My journey really began with a love for creativity and self-expression. Over the years, I’ve always been someone who enjoyed being in front of the camera, creating memories, and finding ways to bring my ideas to life. Like many people, my path hasn’t been linear. Read More>>

Young Maynee

I grew up loving rap music so I naturally started trying to rhyme in kindergarten I must have been around 5, I remember I wanted to be like Tupac so bad! Lol Of course none of my rhymes made sense but I had an idea. Read More>>

Lee Londyn

I was born in Chicago, Illinois, at Northwestern Hospital and spent my early years living in Logan Square on the North Side of Chicago before later moving to East Chicago, Indiana. Creativity has always been at the center of who I am. I started painting when I was seven years old, and looking back, I think that naturally evolved into my love for makeup. Read More>>

Carl Wright

My journey to becoming the Co-Founder of C & K Event Essentials has been anything but traditional. Before entering the event industry, I was an author with a passion for storytelling, inspiring others, and sharing my experiences. Writing taught me the power of connection, resilience, and the importance of creating moments that leave a lasting impact. Read More>>

Pat Allen

I’m a degreed Interior Designer that decided to take my design skills to another area . Since I’ve been sewing since I was little . I wanted to merge my skills together with my next phase in life. One morning when I awoke I kept hearing this voice saying that I should make handbags. It never crossed my mind before. Read More>>

Jenny Gustainis

My story is ultimately one of redemption, perseverance, and learning to accept who God created me to be instead of chasing who I thought I should be. From a young age, I was an overachiever who genuinely loved school, homework, and learning. While that made me a strong student, it also made me a target. Read More>>

LeRoy King Ellis

My name is LeRoy King, and I’m a multidisciplinary artist studying at SCAD Atlanta. I started out creatively through acting, visual storytelling, and community arts programs, but music was always at the center of what I wanted to do. Growing up, I was always interested in telling stories and creating experiences that connected with people. Read More>>

Terell (Sec’k) Connor

My name is Terell “Sec’k” Connor, creator and host of The Hello Effect Podcast. My journey started with a passion for music, storytelling, and connecting with people. Growing up in New Jersey, I was always surrounded by music and creativity. Read More>>

Antonio Smith

Throughout my whole life I’ve always enjoyed music. I was always the guy burning CDs for people in school. Putting people on to music is just one of my love languages. I found out about music curation online and instantly was drawn to it. Read More>>

Christian Scott

In 2019, I started hosting monthly family gatherings to bring my family together. Through these events, I led my family in moments of food, fellowship, and games. Seeing them enjoy themselves, build stronger relationships, and unite was special, and it motivated me to keep hosting these moments every month. Read More>>

Irene Vaksberg

my name is Irene Vaksberg I’m super excited to be share my journey with you all . Thank you for taking time to read my journey. I hope you find it inspirational and it gives you hope to go out there and shine bright in your story I am mom of two beautiful daughters 35 and 25. I have five beautiful grandchildren. Read More>>

Steven Koss

Ah, the oldest profession, storytelling. Ok. Briefly here are the cliff notes. I never considered myself an artist and even today I have a hard time identifying as such but it’s growing on like all my work. It started in 2015 when I wrote my first book about caregiving for my father who had brain cancer. Read More>>

Alyson Pittman Lands

I got my start in marketing while attending Kennesaw State University’s Coles College of Business, where I earned a degree in Business with a concentration in Marketing. During college, I was an active member of Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority and served as Social Chair. That role helped me discover my passion for event planning, networking, promotions, and graphic design. Read More>>

Dr. Kimberly J. Davis

My story begins, as so many stories of Black women do, with being taught to overachieve, overgive, and overfunction. I was conditioned to believe that success was measured by how hard I worked, how much I sacrificed, and how valuable I could make myself to others. Read More>>

Canjelae T

I started singing at a very young age. In my community so many had beautiful voices so I didn’t realize that my voice was unique. It wasn’t until I was singing in the bathroom at school and a teacher heard me that I realized people wanted to hear my voice and my perspective. From there things blossomed. Read More>>

Kouamé Beressou Michel (Mike)

My journey is driven first and foremost by a passion: using media to highlight the people who impact society, particularly the gospel scene. I started with La Minute Gospel, a media outlet dedicated to urban gospel news in Ivory Coast and beyond. Read More>>

Lavanna Corbin & LaKeidra Phillips Owners of Southern Stars Agency

LaKeidra Phillips: I grew up in Stephens Arkansas, a small town with a population of just over 800 people, but even growing up in a small town, I always had big dreams. I was raised in a loving and close-knit family by my parents, Robert and Renae Curry, alongside my two sisters, DeShara and Deidra, and my brother Carlos. Read More>>

JusJJ Jones

I Grew up in Big Apple (New York City )the Bronx to be exact. I spent a lot of my summers in both South Carolina and Georgia. I have always had big dreams of super stardom and even as a tike I was genuinely consumed with both Music and fashion. Read More>>

Stanasha Goodwin

My name is Stanasha T Goodwin, and I’m the owner and founder of Zen Massage Atlanta, a mobile massage company serving Atlanta and its surrounding areas. Before I ever started this business, I spent over 13 years working in the medical field as a medical assistant. That experience shaped the way I see health, healing, and the importance of truly listening to people. Read More>>

Lamar Moore

Chef Lamar Moore was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. He began showing his love for the culinary arts at the age of eight. Growing up in a large family, Moore learned the importance of cooking with love, taking care of people, and giving back to those less fortunate. His grandmother was extremely influential to his culinary journey. Read More>>

Jalon Campbell

I’m the oldest of seven, raised by a single mother in Lexington, Kentucky. Growing up, our mom pushed an entrepreneurial mindset into us before we even knew what that word meant. She always wanted us to build something of our own, something that could take care of us long-term. That foundation shaped everything I am today. Music came first for me. Read More>>

Stacey Rivera

My journey with She Golfs ATL started from a very personal place. Like many women, I was balancing a demanding career, family responsibilities, community commitments, and the constant pressure that comes with being a leader. I was always pouring into everyone else but rarely making time for myself. When I was introduced to golf, I initially saw it as an opportunity to learn something new. Read More>>

Nia Lancelin

I started dancing at just 2 years old, and growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, I quickly became known as “the girl who dances.” By age 14, I was teaching my own dance class, and at 18, I was hired as an instructor with the National Dance Alliance. Read More>>

Tee’Kupp TaTaLe

As soon as I learned how to form a poem, I knew immediately music was my passion! I’m originally from South Carolina. I moved to Atlanta straight out of high school and been recording and writing music ever since. Since making music I’ve been able to produce 1 mixtape, 3 albums, and plenty of singles and music videos! Read More>>

Grooveman Jones

Grooveman Jones Bio Grooveman Jones’ journey began with love—specifically the love of music passed down by his mothers, Rose and Carolyn. Whether it was singing along on long drives or dancing in front of a mirror, they showed him how music could express joy, pain, passion, and every emotion in between. Read More>>

Faith Tatum

Cartersville, Georgia based artist, Faith Tatum, has been honing her skills as an acrylic painter and sculpture artist for the pasted twenty years. Originally an industrial design engineer creating interactive water features and product display equipment, Faith has blended her artistic skills with her thirty years of design experience to bring together the perfect blend of her two passions. Read More>>

Jorge Santiago

I’ve been a storyteller for a long time, but I made my first graphic novels as a sophomore in high school. After years and years of honing my craft and learning intricate story and illustration construction, I’ve been working in both the professionally published comics sphere and the indie self-published comics sphere, where I think I truly belong. Read More>>

Celi Viloria

My journey to CeliOrganizer wasn’t a straight line — and that’s what makes it meaningful. For years, I followed what seemed like the logical path: I studied accounting, built a background in audit, and assumed that was simply who I was professionally. Read More>>

Amanda Thomson

I launched Noughty in 2019 with the basic premise that people shouldn’t have to compromise on quality, taste or experience if they choose not to drink alcohol. Having spent years working in television and arts and entertainment journalism, I was surrounded by the culture of champagne and celebration, but I could also see that consumer habits were changing. Read More>>

Savannah Williams

That’s a great start because it sounds natural and personal. I’d expand it just enough to tell the story: I’ve always been the “makeup friend.” In high school and college, I was the one getting everyone ready for formals, dances, sorority events, and nights out. Read More>>

Johnny Higdon

My childhood was average an uneventful. I grew up in a small town known as Thomasville Georgia. I worked at a local grocery store at an early age to help make ends meet at home. I was a small kid all the way through high school. My small size led me to play tennis versus the common sport in the area of football. Read More>>

Hannah Shin

I moved to the United States from South Korea in 2009. When I first arrived, I didn’t speak any English, so adjusting to a new country and culture was incredibly challenging. For many years, I worked in the restaurant industry, starting as a server and eventually becoming a manager at a Japanese restaurant. Read More>>

Tukia Allen

I started as a student at Aveda Institute Atlanta, where I received a full scholarship and was honored with the Full Potential Award at the end of that journey. After graduating, I trained at Van Michael Salon in Buckhead, one of the Southeast’s premier salon environments, before opening and operating my own salon, Studio Bold, for more than 16 years. Read More>>

Ramareon Williams

I am a high school senior with a strong passion for funeral service, community outreach, and leadership. My journey began at a young age when I became interested in helping families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Over the years, I have gained valuable experience in the funeral profession while continuing to grow as a student and community leader. Read More>>

Carl Johnson

Started portraying Santa for my son’s 5th grade class. I was asked by his teacher at that time walk through the school saying hello and Merry Christmas to everyone. That was 18 years ago. Read More>>

Tori Anderson

My story doesn’t start like most chef stories. I wasn’t the child standing in the kitchen learning family recipes from my grandmother. In fact, my mom cooked every day, and I had very little interest in cooking at all. I used to joke that I would grow up and have a personal chef because that’s what I was used to. Read More>>

Yonnie Griggs

I’m a 25-year-old content creator, marketer, model, and actress from New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up, I always had a passion for performing, whether through dancing, theater, modeling, or simply being in front of a camera. I attended Clark Atlanta University before transferring to Spelman College, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in Theater Arts and Media Management. Read More>>

Jareth Gonzalez Camacho

My name is Jareth, I go by Jaer for short and I am an alt performer that goes publicly by the name of Bas.t.modeus. I moved to Orlando, FL from Bogota, Colombia when I was four years old and I was raised as the first generation in America, not as Jaer but as my pre-transitioned self. Read More>>

Damaris Rosalyn

I’m the seventh of ten children, and growing up in such a large family was always an adventure. We started out in a small two-bedroom, one-bathroom home, which meant there was never a dull moment. As you can imagine, sharing one bathroom with that many people came with its challenges. Read More>>

Keyia ST

Art Junkie started as a nickname for me because of how much I loved the arts and would be at all the art shows buying up art, I swear my home is a mini art gallery lol, From there it grow. Read More>>

Daphne Hill

As a little girl, I was fascinated by the power of beautiful clothing . I spent countless hours dressing Barbie dolls and paper dolls, carefully selecting outfits and imagining how each one would make her feel. Even then, it wasn’t just about the clothes. I loved the idea that the right outfit could make a woman feel beautiful, confident, complete, and truly special. Read More>>

Destinee Chambliss

I have always loved to travel, after taking my first big international trip to Bali, Indonesia and planning it all on my own for my group of friends was the start of it all. The joy and happiness that I felt was unwavering. From there, many of my friends began asking me to help them with their travel plans. Read More>>

Geidy Saint Amand

My name is Geidy Saint Amand. I am a Dominican woman, mother, licensed funeral director, embalmer, Certified Thanatologist (CT), author, entrepreneur, and founder of Legado Infinito. I was born in San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic, and raised by two extraordinary women, my mother and grandmother, both single mothers. They never taught me resilience through speeches. They taught it through example. Read More>>

Katie Watkins-Washo

From a young age, I loved anything creative – jewelry-making, ballet, belting showtunes, and writing poems – all of it held magic for me. My mother enrolled me in ballet and jazz dance at Classical Dance Theatre in Newnan, GA. From there, I began taking theater classes at The Legacy Theatre (Tyrone, GA) and voice lessons from a local teacher. Read More>>

king Zombie

I started the same way a lot of people do—just creating. No big plan, no industry connections, just me, God, my thoughts, and the music. Over time, I realized music was more than something I liked doing; it became a way for me to express everything I couldn’t really put into words. Read More>>

Richard Lillibridge

It started on a trip to Vancouver visiting my sister. Her husband had a tiny tabletop roaster that handled less than a pound at a time — but the first cup I tasted was an AHA moment: coffee that tasted unlike anything I’d known. Read More>>

Alysha McDonald

My journey has been built on determination, a lot of learning along the way, and more cups of coffee than I probably should admit. Like many entrepreneurs, I didn’t wake up one morning with a perfectly written business plan and everything figured out. Read More>>

Hyotak (Robin) Woo

I’ve always been intrigued by the relationship between people and the built environment. Growing up as a Korean in Latin America, I constantly found myself comparing the different ways people lived across cultures. These comparisons became most apparent through architecture and design. I was born in Venezuela, raised and educated in Argentina, Ecuador, Korea, The United States, Bolivia, Mexico, and Hong Kong. Read More>>

Hannah Tarmoh

I started doing makeup 7 years ago in my dorm room in college. At the time, it was just a hobby and a way to stay afloat while in school. Before I knew it, I was the go to girl on campus. I decided to go full time about a year and a half into doing makeup because my clientele just started taking off. Read More>>

Kyjah Knox

KandyRantz started from my love for conversation, storytelling, and creating a space where real people could be heard. I’ve always been passionate about entertainment, culture, and highlighting voices that don’t always get the recognition they deserve. What began as an idea eventually turned into a platform where Atlanta’s socialites, artists, entrepreneurs, and everyday people can come together to share their experiences, perspectives, and talents. Read More>>

KENNETH FIELDS

Growing up in East Atlanta I was always the weird kid. Not because I didn’t take baths or didnt have any friends. I was a space cadet, I was obsessed with pokemon, dragon ball and all of the other cartoons that my grandma would record for me to watch on the weekends. Read More>>

Cori Williams

I’ve always done hair and makeup. I was self taught growing up because as a little girl that was just one of my interests. I also went through a phase of extreme low self esteem which also pushed and motivated me to learn how to do hair and makeup in order to help boost my self esteem. Read More>>

Resya Barnez

The Blend Within was founded in 2015 from a shared perspective that people, cultures, and ideas often have more in common than we realize. Through community initiatives, cross-cultural exchanges, and creative events, we explored how seemingly different worlds can connect through shared experiences, values, and creativity. Over time, that curiosity grew into a broader mission. Read More>>

Tim Aucoin

Tim Aucoin Interview for Voyage Arts ATL I was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and raised in Slidell, across Lake Ponchartrain. There was always music playing in our home, my mom loved Glenn Miller (whose band I later played with), and my dad loved Merle Haggard and Ernest Tubb. Lucky for me, they both liked Fats Domino and we just about wore out those records. Read more>>

Jeremy Brown

It all began in 2020 right before the Covid 19 pandemic. I was enjoying my workout at a boutique gym in Buckhead called Total Row Fitness and they were looking to open their first franchise. I wanted to be their first franchisee in the Kennesaw area. Read more>>