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.

Mo Cooper

Growing up, I spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals due to chronic illness, and throughout high school, I often missed out on experiences that my peers were having. Read more>>

Pascale Pierrot

I’ve always loved arts and crafts, and I’ve actually had locs for as long as I can remember. Growing up, locs weren’t really deemed as feminine or celebrated the way they should have been, and that definitely stayed with me. As I got older, life got incredibly busy. Read more>>

Phillip (Host Name: Philgotit) Colbert III

Grew up performing in my childhood. Played Basketball, football, soccer, song on my church choir and in school, even danced and played two instruments (alto saxophone[7th-8th grade] and tuba [9th-10th grade]). This allowed performing and public speaking to become second nature to me. I hosted my first even in elementary school because the program director asked me to. Read more>>

Candace and Brandon Puckett

Candace: Brandon and I got married in October of 2020, which was such a unique time. The world was in the middle of a pandemic, so it was definitely crazy, but it was also one of the happiest seasons of our lives. At the time, Brandon was the Service Manager for a large automotive chain company. Read more>>

Nika Latori

I started modeling in 2017 a semester after starting college. Prior to actually starting, people always told me I should be a model and I did watch all of the America’s Next Top Model episodes but I still never thought about becoming a model. My goals were singing and dancing. I’ve always been an entertainer/in the spotlight in some type of way. Read more>>

The Supermarket

The Supermarket is a new chapter in a much longer story of creating space for artists, ideas, and community in Atlanta. Before The Supermarket, our team spent years building The Bakery – first as an independent arts space and later as a nonprofit focused on arts, education, experimentation, and public programming. Read more>>

Natalie Nicole

I grew up loving music from a very young age. Watching movies like ‘The Cheetah Girls,’ ‘The Wiz,’ and ‘High School Musical’ inspired me to dream of becoming a superstar one day. I was always a musical and creative child who loved to sing, perform, and entertain others. Read more>>

Brandon Moreira

I began filmmaking as a kid making funny videos of myself and my brother on a webcam. Playing with action figures felt like a movie to me, and I would have seasons of story behind the scenes I would play out. Read more>>

Muhammad Rasheed

I started my life as a photographer 10 years ago, when my mother purchased my first camera. After I received my camera, I spent the next years working on my craft. I shot everything from weddings to street photography to full blown sport campaigns. A life full of adventure and growth with my craft. Read more>>

Diamond Richardson

My journey into social media management and graphic design started back in high school when I joined FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America.) One of our competitions involved creating and designing an entire school concept from scratch, and that experience is what first introduced me to graphic design in a real, hands-on way. Read more>>

Kiran (Ki) Kublalsingh

Art has always been my life, the most passion I have ever experienced has been around and within it. Painting, drawing, crafting and tattooing takes me to my most natural flow state and has always been a place that feels right, like a cozy home I get the pleasure to visit. Read more>>

Aashi Vel

I started Traveling Spoon after a disappointing travel experience in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula in 2013. I was eager to discover authentic Mexican food, but the restaurants that came highly recommended were crowded, touristy, and catered largely to a Western palate. One day, on my way to yet another restaurant, I passed a woman’s home and caught a glimpse of her cooking through the window. Read more>>

Qingyuan Deng

I moved to New York when I was 18 to attend Columbia University for my BA in art history. At Columbia, I interned at commercial contemporary art galleries but soon I realized I want to directly work with artists and writers. So I learned everything I needed to learn about the gallery world by these internships and a short-lived full-time gallery assistant job after graduation. Read more>>

Kasey Giles

Photography has always been a part of my life. I started my business as a young adult and poured a lot of myself into it early on. After getting married and having children, I stepped back to focus on my family, and during that time my camera was mostly used to document my own kids and the small details I never wanted to forget. Read more>>

Michele K. Tompkins

The Roots & Culture Craft Kitchen concept developed out of the determination to resurface as a chefpreneur and the desire to reinvent my culinary concept from the former brick & mortar, Urban Foodie Feed Store, to a personal chef and private chef business. My goal was to develop an elevated in home culinary experience by offering service lines that aligned with that thought process. Read more>>

Nathaniel Jackson

My entrepreneur mindset started when I was around 7 or 8 when I used to draw and put prices I was going to sell my drawings for when I finished. Read more>>

Jason Mays

I’m a musician originally from South Bay, Florida. After moving to Tallahassee to attend college, I started my first band, and that decision set off a chain reaction that ultimately turned music into my career. Over the years, I played in several nationally signed and touring bands while also working behind the scenes with artists like Mayday Parade, Go Radio, and others. Read more>>

Lisa Belizaire

I started writing music at 11, just putting whatever came to mind on paper. Looking back, it taught me how to tell stories and develop my craft before I even realized it. I evolved with my music. I watched my confidence grow, my honesty deepen, my vulnerability open up. To follow my music journey is to witness my story. But I was shy. Read more>>

Radhika Walia Kujal

I,Radhika started sketching and painting at an early age, I was born in India and was brought up there till the age of 24years, graduated in Philosophy hons from Delhi University, LSR college. I got married and moved with my husband to Madrid, Spain. Read more>>

Trinity Smith

My story really begins with my own health journey. When I was younger, I was in a car accident that left me with a concussion, and afterward I developed severe chronic migraines that completely changed my life. For several years, I was homeschooled while learning how to manage a chronic medical condition. The hardest part wasn’t just living with migraines. Read more>>

Sammie Weintraub

My journey into fitness didn’t begin with a dream of becoming a bodybuilder or owning a clothing company, it began with survival. Years before I became a certified personal trainer, nutritionist, and natural professional bodybuilder, I lost 140 pounds through nutrition and exercise. I had finally found confidence in my body when my life took an unexpected turn. Read more>>

Euricka Williams

I am Euricka Williams…a rising actress & entertainer from Memphis, TN. My love for performing started when I was just 5 years old. Read more>>

William Johnson

My name is William Johnson Sr., and I’m a professional painter based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Today, I travel across the United States providing high-end custom painting, residential repaints, and repair work for homeowners, investors, and clients who want the job done right the first time. What’s interesting is that I never planned for this career. Read more>>

Verma-Elizabeth Gentry

My journey has been one of rediscovery, resilience, and stepping into my purpose. I started in the corporate world, where I gained experience in customer service, operations, underwriting support, and team communication. Those roles taught me how to problem-solve, lead with empathy, and support people through complex situations. Read more>>

Freddie Collins

I’ve always worn a lot of hats. I’m a music teacher, a dad, a runner, and now I spend a lot of my time building RunWell Georgia and We Run Gwinnett. Looking back, though, none of that really happened the way I planned it. Music has always been my first love. Read more>>

Anthony Potter Jr

My brother died at three months old. A heart condition. He was only home one week out of his entire life. I had no idea how much that would shape everything that came after. For years I wanted to be a cardiologist. I didn’t understand why until one day I reflected and realized — my brother had a heart condition. Read more>>

Anthony Lemons

I started Xavier Anthony in 2014 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Before XA, I had experimented with a few different brands, but Xavier Anthony was the first one that truly reflected the vision I wanted to build. The first product I released under the brand was a graphic T-shirt called the “Bones” shirt. My interest in fashion started long before that. Read more>>

Ash Brown

The journey of Ash Said It LLC is a decade-long legacy that began with a single, transformative ‘Day One’. Managing a multifaceted brand as a podcast host, voiceover artist, and live events emcee is like conducting a high-energy orchestra, where the focus shifts between various creative pursuits. Read more>>

Tralik Cofield

never planned on becoming a teacher. I started as a permanent substitute while coaching and pursuing other career opportunities because I wanted something meaningful to do during the day. What I didn’t expect was to find my purpose. Once I began building relationships with my students, I realized I had a genuine passion for making a difference in their lives. Read more>>

Don Wilson

RunStrongDon started from a simple reality: you didn’t see yourself as a runner. You were a gym-focused athlete who could run, but in 2017 I started running consistently on your own and discovered that endurance changed more than your fitness. It changed your mindset, discipline, and confidence. Read more>>

Tavarus Johnson

My journey into entrepreneurship started with a simple desire to build something of my own. For years, I’ve worked as an EMT, where I developed a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a passion for serving others. Read more>>

Kevin Torsel

My journey has been anything but traditional. I got my start working in entertainment and logistics, where I learned how to manage fast paced environments, coordinate large scale operations, and solve problems under pressure. Being behind the scenes of events taught me the importance of planning, communication, and making sure every detail comes together seamlessly. Read more>>

Tiffany Cohen & Jorge Gutierrez

We are a husband-and-wife team, and FLOR DE LA JARA is the bridge between our two worlds. Jorge grew up in the olive groves of Spain, where his family has produced olive oil for three generations. From an early age, he learned that great extra virgin olive oil begins in the grove with careful farming, timing, and respect for the harvest. Read more>>

Marianna Egyed

My story probably began with an unquenchable curiosity about the world. Growing up in Hungary, I was fortunate to experience international travel from a young age as borders opened after ’89. I became fascinated by everything that made a place unique—the landscapes, food, people, sounds, scents, and most of all how people live their lives and interact with their surroundings. Read more>>

Latif Yahya

I started with Wisdom when I was 16 years old. As a student of brands like stussy, bape, kenzo, cdg and brands alike. I wanted my own design house where people of like mind and interest could see themselves in. I got this far by being fearless, confident and delusional. Read more>>

Justice Hudnall

I got started doing this type of work in college to earn additional income outside of school and basketball. I took the time to work for another company as an independent contractor and became a student and learn what it truly takes to grow and scale a Million dollar company from nothing. Read more>>

Say Christo

I (Christopher Richardson) was born in the small town of Hollister, NC, and the middle child of 3. As a kid I was very influenced by art and music. When I wasn’t running around outside and trying to turn backflips in the house, I would find myself drawing and watching music videos trying to be as close to Chris Brown as I could be. Read more>>

Cindy J.

Inspiring Stories – Cindy J. I’ve always believed style tells a story before a person ever says a word. Growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, I was fascinated with fashion, beauty, and creativity. New Orleans is a city where dreams can either be nurtured or shattered—but the choice is yours. I made mine early. Read more>>

World Rhythm Nation WRFG Atlanta 89.3FM

WRFG 89.3, Atlanta’s local non-profit progressive radio station has been broadcasting from Little 5 Points since 1973. Our show, World Rhythm Nation has been airing for over 20 years. Our principal host and producer, Kathleen Cooley, known on air as Katia Kool, has been on the air at WRFG for 10 years. Read more>>

Cody Bunch

I originally started making content during the pandemic like most people, but did not take it seriously at all. I started taking it serious a year ago when I started documenting my move from Miami to Atlanta, and the videos started gaining traction. Once I arrived to Atlanta, I started a coffee shop tour series and the rest is history. Read more>>

Marc Russell

I didn’t grow up with money. I grew up in foster care, moving through homes, learning early that financial stability wasn’t something you planned for. It was something you hoped for. I was adopted at 13. At 19, I lost my adopted father. He died in my arms. Read more>>

Abraham Carrillo

Roman Supply Co. was born out of a season that forced us to slow down and reevaluate everything. Like many people, 2020 became a turning point. It exposed what was life-giving and what wasn’t. It challenged us to reconsider our values, our work, and the things that once made us come alive. For years, creativity had been sitting dormant. Read more>>

Emma Kimball

I started out my mental health career in a children’s hospital working with parents of children with life threatening illnesses. Throughout that journey, I realized how much I loved getting to help people learn to cope and survive against the most unthinkable circumstances and knew I needed to make a career of it. Read more>>

Raheem Jackson

Hello everyone, for starters my name is Raheem Jackson and I’m a hometown photographer based here in Buffalo NY for now, my journey started back 5 years ago without any direction as for what I planned to do or how far I would take things. Just a little bit of passion for art to now with a growing fire for it. Read more>>

Janeissy & Mariana

Java & Brie started with two friends, two different cultures, and one shared dream: to create a place where people feel genuinely welcomed. I’m Puerto Rican, and my business partner, Mariana, is Peruvian. We both have a deep love for hospitality, beautiful food, and bringing people together around the table. Read more>>

Dajha Gaines

I am an illustrator based in Atlanta, Georgia, currently. I go to Savannah College of Art and design for Illustration. I was born in Tallahassee, Florida, but my parents divorced when I was 3. My mother went in to the military and we moved around the east coast a lot until I was 12. We planted in Columbus, Georgia and I attended St. Read more>>

andre zachery

I have always been interested in photography and always loved going through old photo albums when i was a kid and even till this day, which is the reason I love film over digital. Read more>>

Jasmine Strickland

[Note: Jasmine is GBN’s Project Coordinator and uses they/them pronouns] Even amidst the highways and parking lots carving up West Atlanta, Jasmine’s childhood was immersed in nature and loving community. Their earliest memories are of warm, laughter-filled evenings out on the front porch with their family and neighbors. Read more>>

Melodie Rosser

I was convicted as a teenager and spent 20 years incarcerated in Georgia. While in prison, I made a decision that my circumstances would not define my future. I committed myself to personal growth, completed educational and vocational programs, earned professional certifications, and supported other women on their journeys. Read more>>

Zaie

I started my journey of singing and songwriting around the age of nine. I also joined school choirs around age ten; which started my vocal performance journey. Over the course of my life, I have written many different songs; most of which will never see the light of day. Read more>>

Laura Carson Miller

I’ve enjoyed two distinct career paths, both rooted in my love of lifestyle, beauty, design, and connecting with people. My first career was in the salon and spa industry, where I developed a deep appreciation for beauty, customer service, and creating meaningful experiences. Later, I transitioned into freelance lifestyle writing, contributing to both print magazines and online publications. Read more>>

Ashley Skye

Coming from a household of parents who were police officers, I was raised to be respectable and kind to others. Although sometimes things weren’t the best I had really great parents. I’ve always had a love for music, art, and self care. I was in school for computer science before life happened and I started working in a strip club at 19. Read more>>

Janessa Smith

My journey began at just four years old when I discovered my love for singing and using my voice to glorify God. Born in the Bronx, New York, to Jamaican parents, I was raised in a Christian home where faith and worship are part of our everyday life. Read more>>

Jael Fehrenbacher

I got into content creation during a tough time in my life. During that time period I became extremely depressed, so instead of focusing on my problems, I started doing reaction videos to make myself laugh. While it got my mind off my own personal problems, I noticed it was making other people laugh too. Read more>>

Joshua Green

My name is Jay Green, and I’m an independent R&B artist from Atlanta, Georgia. Music has always been a way for me to express emotions and experiences that can be difficult to put into words. Growing up, I was inspired by artists who weren’t afraid to be vulnerable in their music, and that inspired me to begin creating music of my own. Read more>>

Yannick Murphy

My name is Yannick, and I’m the owner and creative director of a clothing brand called Elites Only. My love for fashion started as early as I can remember. My mom introduced me to fashion and some of my earliest photos show me dressed in brands like Rocawear, Guess, Jordan, and Coogi—my mom always made sure I was on point with the latest styles. Read more>>

Kye Harris

I moved from Central Texas to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue my dream of becoming apart of the entertainment industry. I transferred from Central Texas College to Morehouse College to study film, knowing that being surrounded by students from across the country would give me the opportunity to build relationships, expand my network, and grow as an artist. After graduating, I faced a challenging transition period. Read more>>

Kenjah

I started singing at 5 years old. My parents used to put on family talent shows at home, and after they taught me Whitney Houston’s “Count On Me,” you couldn’t shut me up after that! My 1st-grade teacher, Ms. Marion, heard me sing and encouraged me to perform in the P.S. 377 talent show. Read more>>

Hannah Mains

I graduated from Auburn University with a degree in fashion merchandising. In college, I had various job opportunities in the styling, editorial, and PR spaces in fashion. I interned for a celebrity stylist in Los Angeles, with L’OFFICIEL magazine, and was the Editor in Chief of our student-ran fashion magazine. I also was on the PR team for our student-ran fashion show. Read more>>

Garrick Lawton

I graduated with my master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University in October 2018. During my graduate program, I completed my internship at Mill Springs Academy in Georgia, where I gained valuable experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Read more>>

Paige Haynes

I’d like to think I was first a painter. My father once had my finger paintings hung in his home office because you couldn’t quite tell that a toddler did it. My interest in art continued and with that my parents enrolled me in the Kaizar School of Art. Read more>>

Lindsey Bybee

I grew up traveling a little and always enjoyed it. I found myself naturally drawn to exploring new places and trying new things. Right after I got married, my husband and I moved to Germany for his job. It was our first time setting foot in Europe, and we fell in love with it instantly. Read more>>

Porcsha Zachary

My name is Porcsha Zachary I’m an American Hairstylist. Behind some of the most iconic looks in Hollywood, Broadway, and global fashion campaigns. I worked with A listers like Owen Wilson and Colton Haynes, with credits on major studio projects including Disney’s Haunted Mansion, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Teen Wolf (Paramount+), and the Broadway tour of Hamilton. Read more>>

Hawley Penfold

My journey into marketing started in an unexpected place. I was a child actor beginning at age seven and spent over a decade pursuing acting professionally. Between commercials, scene study classes and countless hours on set, I developed a love for storytelling at a young age. Read more>>

Melton Harvey II

I graduated from Alcorn State University with a Bachelors of Music Education. My time at Alcorn is what really shaped me into who I am. I held a few leadership positions in the band and joined a few organizations including Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Fraternity for college bandsmen, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Read more>>

Joshua Grant

I originally started in church. My uncle was a drummer before me and I would always watch him play behind the kit. Just at 21 months is when I first got the sticks in my hands are was playing in church on beat. Ever since then I fell in love with not just drums, but music in general. Read more>>

Sami Collins

I’m an Atlanta native, born and raised here, and I spent most of my life growing up in Buckhead before marriage and motherhood. In 2020, my husband and I moved to Tucker and quickly fell in love with the warm, welcoming community. We knew it was where we wanted to put down roots and start our family. Read more>>

Nelle – The Empress Lloyd

My journey with herbalism didn’t start with a book but with a memory where the indigenous understanding of our well-being is still tied directly to the earth. I remember as a child always being shoved a big cup of cerasse tea from my Nana Monica to take the weekly serving of bitters along with other tonics. Read more>>

Olivia Price

Real estate has always been more than buying and selling homes for me—it’s about creating opportunities, building wealth, and strengthening communities. I purchased my first home at the age of 21, and that experience sparked a passion for helping others achieve the dream of homeownership. Read more>>

Jason Lukasik

Our story began long before II Tone Def (pronounced “Two Tone Def”) officially formed. Greg and I have been friends since the seventh grade, although our friendship started in a pretty unexpected way. We both got kicked out of class at the same time and found ourselves sizing each other up in the hallway. Read more>>

V.g. Creux

For many years after college, I worked as a journalist and investigator– chasing down raw facts, and fighting for justice inside a system that does not honor the full human sensory experience. The supernatural and quantum aspects of life intrigued me and there was not a space for these facets in my reporting. Read more>>

Kayla Fuller

My passion for hair has always been about more than creating beautiful results—it’s about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Even in school, I was the friend who was always styling everyone’s hair or doing their makeup before special events. Read more>>

Foli For A Film

Foli For a Film started in Bogotá, Colombia as a music project between Camilo Salazar and Megan Reátiga, and has since grown into a full band based in the Atlanta area. Megan leads the band as the frontwoman, vocalist, and bass player, bringing a strong female presence to a sound that combines psychedelic textures, progressive rock ideas, and indie energy. Read more>>

Dr. Sara and Dr. Lane Hammond

The Ultimate Prescription: How Two Worlds and Global Exploration Redefined Our Approach to Medicine Our story begins where two different, yet perfectly aligned worlds met. Sara grew up in the Netherlands, speaking three languages and traveling extensively with her family from a young age, immersed in a culture that inherently values slow living, fresh food, and rich experiences. Read more>>

Liz Alexander

My path into interior design wasn’t exactly traditional, but when I look back, all the pieces fit together. I’ve always loved houses and the stories they tell. My grandfather was a realtor, and as a little girl, I loved tagging along with him to see homes. I was fascinated by the different architectural styles, how people lived, and how every home had its own personality. Read more>>

Paris Stone

I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I come from a musical family. My great-uncle was Freddie King, one of the legendary ‘Three Kings of the Blues Guitar,’ and another family member, Ben E. Turner is also a blues musician. Read more>>

Malachi Ward

My name is Malachi, and I’m the person behind PrinceMJTV. I’m a social media influencer based out of North Carolina and from DMV, I create relatable daily skits based on everyday life. Whether it’s church skits, relationship comedy, old-head characters, teacher skits, or “kids be like” moments, my goal is always to make people laugh by turning real-life situations into entertaining stories. Read more>>

Franky Treau

My story started in Nashville, Tennessee, where I fell in love with music at just eight years old. I was the kid constantly writing raps, studying my favorite artists, and dreaming about one day making records that would connect with people around the world. Read more>>

Tanner Feldman

The Come Up I grew up in the back of my sister’s old purple Supra, soaking in Biggie, 2Pac, and Dre before I even knew what a beat was. Weekends meant waking up to whatever my sister or my dad had blasting through the house while they handled their morning: rap, dance music, rock, R&B, all of it. Read more>>

Sharifa Avery

My story really started with wanting to practice medicine in a way that felt more personal, sustainable, and connected to real life. I’m a board-certified internal medicine physician, and throughout my career I’ve worked in hospital medicine, primary care, urgent care, and telemedicine. Those experiences gave me a broad view of how healthcare works — and also where patients often fall through the cracks. Read more>>

Justin James-Evelyn

My creative journey started back in 2021 when I decided to start my own podcast called ‘Justo’s Talks’. From there, I went on to interview creatives around the Underground Atlanta. Read more>>

Ariel Phoenix Productions ATL

My husband and I started our business a little over 10 years ago now. We started with a ring light and a point-and-shoot camera and took every photography gig we could find – food photography, events… we even chased a food delivery truck around the block in Atlanta to get pictures of it. Read more>>

Kevin B Ploth

I grew up in a family that valued hard work, storytelling, and showing up for people, and that foundation shaped everything I’ve done since. Read more>>

De’Tysha Nicholson

If you had told me a few years ago that I would leave everything I knew behind to chase my dreams, I probably wouldn’t have believed you. I’m originally from Greenwood, South Carolina, where I built my name as a makeup artist through hard work, exceptional service, and the power of word-of-mouth. My community knew me, trusted me, and supported me. Read more>>

Hector and Derek Del Valle

We’re Hector + Derek, aka Papi & Papa We’ve been married for almost eight years and share a love for adventure, visiting 27 national parks together since falling in love with them on our 2019 honeymoon in Alaska. These days, our greatest adventure is raising our son, Oliver, who’s somehow already almost four and has explored 14 parks with us. Read more>>

Dr. Harper

Dr. E. Harper born November 1975 is an Atlanta, Georgia native who is best known to many as Que. Que’s ambitions, talents, spiritual background, and his many life changing experiences makes him the superior man he is today. Read more>>

Ella B.

When I was a young girl, the first thing i wanted to be was a poet. I’m not sure how exactly i got into poetry at such a young age, but i remember writing numerous poems in my journal and being obsessed with how I can make my thoughts these beautiful emotional words. Read more>>

Gerald Griggs, Esq.

My journey into the practice of law began with a commitment to justice and a belief that the legal system should serve everyone fairly. From an early stage in my career, I was drawn to advocating for individuals and communities whose voices were often overlooked. Read more>>

Leisa Dareus

Sincerely Posh Events was born from my love for creating experiences that bring people together. I’ve always been the person who pays attention to the little details and finds joy in making moments feel special. When I got married, I hired a wedding planner, but I was very hands on with the design of my wedding. Read more>>

Angeli Noelle

Based in Atlanta, I am a published model, brand liaison, and event coordinator with experience connecting brands, agencies, and talent to execute successful campaigns and productions. I also serve as a model coach and mentor, helping aspiring models develop their runway presence, posing techniques, professionalism, and confidence while building sustainable careers in the fashion and entertainment industry. Read more>>

Porsha Love

My story began on the east side of Detroit, where I grew up in a home filled with music. My love for artists like TLC, Bow Wow, Pink, Eve, and later Nicki Minaj helped shape my passion for music. Some of my earliest memories are freestyling in the kitchen with my older brother, and the first rap I remember writing was about Dr. Read more>>

Natalie Sanders “ DJ NAS”

Music has always been apart of my life. From singing in the choir, playing piano and to now DJing and having a mix show every Friday on one of the greatest radio stations in South GA 107.9 The Beat. Huge S/O to DJ Tremayne! Read more>>

Juju Stone

I’ve known I wanted to make music since I was dropped on this earth I got a headstart playing “concert” with my cousins headlining made up shows, singing in church, and I would write songs in my notebook that I would never share with anyone but one day in 2018 I found a studio home and I released my very first single that same year. Read more>>

Isabel Dobarro

My story with the piano started long before I understood what a professional career in music could be. I was simply fascinated by the instrument — by its range, its depth, and its ability to express what words could not. Very early on, I realized that music was not just something I did; it was the way I related to the world. Read more>>

Jacquie Turner

I’ve been a crafter for years; I remember learning to sew on my mom’s sewing machine when I was 6. When I went to Divinity school, I made stoles for my colleagues who couldn’t be ordained because of their sexuality or gender identity. I’ve quilted and knit and crocheted ever since. But I never thought I’d own a fabric and yarn shop! Read more>>

Stephanie Chekuse

Our journey began as an event decorating business, where we had the privilege of transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary celebrations. Every wedding, birthday, baby shower, and corporate event reinforced our passion for creating unforgettable experiences and showed us the impact thoughtful design can have on life’s most meaningful moments. Read more>>

Donovan Mitchell

My journey with photography did not begin as expected. From a young age, I’ve been interested in technology and how it works. I chose film and media as my major at Georgia State. While in college, I injured my right hand skateboarding, causing me to wear a cast, and I could not play my instrument in the band. Read more>>

China Smith

My name is China Smith, and I believe my journey is a testament to what can happen when faith, resilience, and purpose come together. Entrepreneurship wasn’t something that was handed to me, it was built through trial and error, long nights, sacrifices, and a refusal to give up. Like many entrepreneurs, I started with a dream and very little direction. Read more>>

Sara Faddah

The idea for 77 Flavors came about when Dario, my co-host and co-producer and honestly the person you’ll see in most of our social posts, purchased $2500 worth of podcast equipment in the middle of the pandemic. I put the headphones on and heard my voice for the first time and, humbly, thought I sounded great. Read more>>

Alonia ‘The Silky Songstress’ Parks

Music has always been the soundtrack of my life. Although I built a communications career spanning more than 35 years as a journalist, speaker, communications strategist, life coach, and minister, singing has always been my first love. For many years, however, I put that gift on the shelf. In 2023, I experienced what I can only describe as a divine awakening. Read more>>

Dr. Adétọ́lá Adéníyì

I’m an orthodontist and the founder of in Conyers, Georgia. My journey into orthodontics started in Atlanta, where I was raised, and was shaped by a desire to combine healthcare, service, and entrepreneurship in a meaningful way. I earned my dental degree from Meharry Medical College while serving in the U.S. Army Reserve, before transitioning to Active Duty after dental school graduation. Read more>>

Andrea De La cruz

I’ve always believed that some of the most meaningful careers are built from life’s unexpected detours. My journey began in real estate. I became a licensed REALTOR® in 2006 while working for a real estate developer in Florida. Over the years, I also earned a Master’s degree in Human Resources and built a career in corporate leadership, training, coaching, and higher education. Read more>>

e1Don

I was born in Roosevelt, New York, and lived there until I was ten. That’s where my earliest sense of rhythm, culture, and identity came from. When my family moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia, everything shifted — new environment, new energy, new influences. I’ve been here ever since, and Stone Mountain is where I really became the artist people know today. Read more>>

Kayla Reese Stewart

A little over a year ago, I relocated to College Park, Georgia. The journey to get here was a true test of both my faith and my patience. I arrived feeling uncertain and, at times, intimidated. I didn’t know anyone, and I had convinced myself that I would be rejected—that I wasn’t enough. Read more>>

Arria McGinty

My elevator pitch (and my bio) which describes my content is “music, media and automobiles”. On any of my digital platforms, my content consists of me using various forms of media to illustrate stories of the Atlantan music and car industries. This all starts before me, with my Atlanta-native Father. Read more>>

Miiraahe

Music raised me. Music birthed me. My mother is a singer, musician, and writer. Heard her sing my entire life. Music perked my ears up. Literally growing up listening to gospel, pop, rap, rock, and found every other sub-genre throughout middle and high school you could think of to listen to. I focused on lyrics. Read more>>

Deondrae(Drae2xx) Williams

I would say it has been a smooth road just because you get out of it what u put in it and I believe consistency is the best availability when it comes to music and trying to scale higher yes some days are better than others but even on the lesser days it’s always something I can do to help Read more>>

Kai Lendzion

I’ve always been drawn to storytelling. Long before I understood the technical side of filmmaking, I was fascinated by the way a single image could make someone feel something. That curiosity eventually turned into an obsession with cameras, photography, and film, and I’ve been pursuing that ever since. Read more>>

Le’Sheala Dawson

I design human infrastructure for elite performers, organizations, and emerging talent. Read more>>

KIMS keyz’ kiMik’aL’ Productions

I started with music when I was about 5 or 6 singing in the adult and children’s church choir. I studied piano from 6 – 12 years of age in Louisiana. Around the age of 7, my Godparents bought me a Casio keyboard and I was teased everyday of my life that the keyboard was my boyfriend. Lolol! Read more>>

Joseph Nelson

My name is Joseph Nelson, Founder and CEO of A1 Realty Group. I am a natural-born leader, a devoted husband, and a proud father of three boys. Those roles have shaped my values and continue to influence the way I lead my business—with integrity, accountability, and a genuine passion for helping others. Read more>>

Maya Simpkins

I feel like I’ve lived many lives, so buckle up for this one. I am no stranger to self-employment, as my first business was a summer day camp that I ran out of my house when I was just 13 years old. I had 6 kids and charged $20 each week per kid. Read more>>

Sateeva

Hello, my name is Sateeva. I’ve been making music for over 10 years, both performing live and recording in the studio. My love for music started when I was a kid. There was always music playing in my house and in the car. My mom introduced me to artists like Anita Baker and Aretha Franklin, while my dad always had Luther Vandross playing. Read more>>

Ashley Walker

My entrepreneurial journey began after an unexpected turning point in my career. After spending eight years in corporate accounting, I was laid off. Like many professionals, I immediately began applying for new opportunities, submitting more than 300 applications. Despite my experience, interviews were few and far between. Read more>>

Chappell Love

In the spring of 2010, I left Atlanta and moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, with two goals in mind: become a bartender and write my first book, *Lessons of a Lifetime*. Once I accomplished both, I realized my journey in Massachusetts had served its purpose. Read more>>

Rebecca Bormann

I founded RB Consulting Agency in 2022 after spending more than 20 years leading sales, marketing, and business development for global technology companies. What began as a passion for helping others become more confident in sales quickly evolved into a full-service strategic marketing consultancy. I recognized that many great organizations weren’t struggling because they lacked great products or services. Read more>>

Destiny Lanese

My professional career began in 2018. I placed in a talent show and won the opportunity to begin performing as a featured artist at a casino in my hometown. From there, I was booked for conferences, weddings, parties, and live shows. Then, in February 2019, I dropped my first single, ‘Haunted Healing’, a self-produced alternative R&B track that explored the aftermath of tumultuous relationships. Read more>>

Gabrielle Hodges

Before my injury, I was a woman with independence, ambition, and a vision for the life I was building. I worked hard, moved through life on my own terms, and never imagined that everything I knew could change in a single moment. After sustaining a C7 spinal cord injury in Aruba in 2019 from an ATV accident, my world shifted overnight. Read more>>

Jiseong Jo

Master Jiseong Jo’s Taekwondo journey began in 1990, in South Korea-at just 4 years old. A shy and quiet child, he was introduced to Taekwondo by his father to build confidence and strength. That small step grew into a lifelong mission-now inspiring students and families here in the U.S.

Taekwondo has brought me both great challenges and great purpose.

When I first came to the United States, teaching was not easy. The language barrier and cultural differences made it difficult to connect with students. Even though I taught for seven years at my first school, where there was no structured training system, I often felt unsure of how to teach effectively. Read More>>