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.

Brianna Delancy

I was born and raised in Freeport, Bahamas, and I’ve always been someone with big dreams and a strong desire to build something meaningful. Growing up, I was naturally curious and ambitious. I was interested in both science and business, which led me to pursue opportunities in healthcare while also exploring entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Carla Stephens

I’ve always believed that it’s never too late to build something meaningful. My journey has never followed a traditional path, and that’s exactly what has made it so rewarding. I’m an entrepreneur, author, content creator, and co-owner of Rockstar Trucking Corporation. Read more>>

Cinthia Almeida

My story started in Brazil, where I built a career of over 20 years in Marketing, Branding, and Leadership, working with global companies such as Samsung, LG, Electrolux, and Mondial. Throughout my corporate journey, I had the opportunity to lead multicultural teams, launch products across different markets, and contribute to the growth of brands recognized in Latin America and beyond. Read more>>

Dr. Kimberly West

In June 2022, I traveled to Ghana to work with schools and work alongside Ghanaian teachers to incorporate different science-based instructional practices and activities in their classrooms. It was a journey that changed my life and refocused my purpose in life. What I found there was a paradox. Read more>>

Karmen Scott

As most authors say, I am a reader before I am an author. I started out being inspired by books I loved growing up, and by the age of ten, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I knew my calling early on. Read more>>

Hattress Barbour

I often say that poetry found me long before I realized I would build a life around it. Both of my parents are from North Carolina, so even before I moved to Atlanta, the South was deeply rooted in who I was. I grew up around Southern storytelling, church, family traditions, and the kind of conversations where every lesson came wrapped in a story. Read more>>

Joshua Moss

I often say my story didn’t begin with connections—it began with a dream. I’m originally from Houston, Texas, but I made one of the biggest decisions of my life when I moved to Atlanta with little more than faith, ambition, and the belief that I was called to build something greater than myself. I didn’t arrive with industry connections, endless resources, or a blueprint. Read more>>

Robyn Pinto Lauren Cunningham

In late 2021, Lauren was searching for a meaningful way to repurpose the denim insulation from meal delivery boxes. Knowing Robyn loved to sew and had a heart for serving others, Lauren reached out to her to help bring the idea to life. What started as a simple idea soon turned into something much greater. Read more>>

Tashi Speed

Dream Keys X Linx (2017) started as something really simple—I was stamping “dream” onto old house keys and selling them. But the real heart of it was the mission. I’m passionate about giving back & serving others and while working with the Talboy Foundation, which provides education, wells, food, and essentials to less fortunate People. I was able to donate the proceeds for that cause. Read more>>

Ashanti Brutus

Writing has always been a part of me. I started as a kid. Just was writing before I really understood what writing even was. In middle school I was deep in anime fanfictions, and by high school I had shifted into urban fiction. I ended up writing 13 unpublished books — nine volumes of a series called High School Drama and four volumes of Streetz. Read more>>

Sheceria Chambliss

My journey into makeup started with a genuine love for beauty and helping people feel confident. What began as a passion quickly turned into a career, and over the past 10 years I’ve been blessed to work with everyone from everyday clients to celebrities, television productions, editorial shoots, and luxury brides. Read more>>

Malakai Tyne Bisel

I’ve been pursuing art of some kind for as long as I can remember. In the early years, I was in several bands. I toured the midwest and put a bunch of albums together. But during that time, I was also making movies. I loved writing and creating characters and making films gave me an excuse to do exactly that. Read more>>

Charles Jones

As I got older I just didn’t want that woulda, coulda, shoulda feeling. People have told me my whole life that I have a radio voice EVERYTIME they hear me speak. It was time to make good on those words. Read more>>

Miss Lady Blues

Miss Lady Blues: The Voice, The Story, The Soul ​Introduction & Artistry: ​’I consider my musical style to be deeply soulful, rooted heavily in the rich traditions of the Blues.’ ​ As an independent powerhouse, Miss Lady Blues has spent the last several years carving out a distinct space in the music industry. Read more>>

Dionisio Burgos

My name is Dionisio Burgos, and I’m a photographer, creative director, and storyteller from Rhode Island. I never really picked up a camera thinking it would become my career. I just fell in love with creating and making people feel something. Over time, God kept opening doors I never could’ve opened myself. Read more>>

Dominique Williamson

Before the injury, I had the privilege of serving 20 years in the U.S. Army, retiring as a First Sergeant. My life took a significant turn after I was injured during my military service. Like many veterans, I experienced firsthand the physical and emotional challenges that can follow service, along with the frustration of navigating the VA benefits system. Read more>>

Shanna Jordan

I started as a licensed esthetician with a real love for skin and detail, but not a perfectly mapped-out plan. I was just someone who paid attention—how makeup sat on skin, how brows could completely shift someone’s face, how confidence changed when someone finally saw themselves the way they wanted to be seen. Read more>>

Nicolas & Mathilde Next Meridian Expedition

We met at university in Belgium, brought together by the same passion for travel and adventure. Looking back, it’s no surprise that our very first date was a road trip. From that moment on, we’ve never really stopped travelling together. Travel had always been part of who we were. Read more>>

Sarah Chai

Where Heritage Craftsmanship Meets the Future of Fashion My journey into jewelry design didn’t start in a studio; it began in my family’s workshop. Growing up surrounded by a family jewelry business, I was captivated by the meticulous, hands-on artistry required to bring raw materials to life. That early exposure instilled in me a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship and quality. Read more>>

Georgia & KJ

We met working in a marketing agency 6 years ago. KJ was an account manager and Georgia was a copywriter and we instantly gelled and worked well together. From working so closely, we realised what a good team we made and shared a passion for email marketing. Read more>>

Devon McNair

My name is Devon McNair, professionally known as Prince Devv. I’m an artist, entrepreneur, content creator, and business owner originally from Metro Detroit, Michigan, now based in Atlanta, Georgia. My journey hasn’t been traditional, but every experience has shaped who I am today. Read more>>

Tanaya Christopher

If someone asked me to describe my journey in one word, it would be ‘evolution.’ I was born in the United States but raised in Bermuda by my mom, who instilled in me the values of education, resilience, and perseverance. Read more>>

Ming Han Chung

Minhwa Spirits began with a simple belief: Korean alcohol deserves to be seen with the same respect as the world’s great craft spirits. Rooted in Doraville, Georgia, near the heart of Buford Highway’s immigrant food culture, Minhwa Spirits was created to share a more traditional side of Korean drinking. Read more>>

Chauncey Posey

Honestly, I got started by being myself and genuinely loving fashion, music, and fitness. I focused on honing my brand and making it my own. Being a Virgo like Beyoncé, haha, definitely plays a significant role in many of my actions. I strive for perfection and put a lot of thought into the content I create and share. Read more>>

DONAVON

My story started in Brooklyn as a child of immigrant, Haitian and Guyanese parents. It was always nice to have the juxtaposition of music inside and out the house. Biggie outside; Sweet Mickey inside. Music was integral to my upbringing and molding my world view especially being born in the Mecca of Hip- Hop. New York. Read more>>

Tomika Green

The journey to creating HomeCooked Eatery has been both unexpected and inspiring. My business partner and I started with nothing but a dream and a willingness to take a leap of faith. Read more>>

Betty Edouard

I started as a 32 year old stretch therapist depressed and wanting change. I then embarked on my self acceptance journey where I practiced exercises like gently mat pilates and yoga daily to rewire my nervous system and improve my flexibility. I would do follow along workout on YouTube but felt like something was missing. Read more>>

Mya June

I was born in the city of Athens, GA and raised in a small town by the name of White Plains. Needless to say, I did not come from a big city, but the aspirations I had were profound from the start. I’d always had this deep passion to create; to be a performer of some sort constantly occupied my mind. Read more>>

Stevoo

I was born and raised in Atlanta, and growing up between my African-American and Liberian roots gave me an appreciation for how music brings people together across different cultures. Atlanta exposed me to so many different sounds, communities, and creative spaces that I naturally became curious about how music could connect all of those worlds. Read more>>

Kiana Gandy

My name is Kiana Gandy, a middle daughter and easy going Seattleite. I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, so naturally I love being outside and being in the rain. While growing up, I was surrounded by family and widely encouraged to take my interest seriously. Read more>>

Valerie Somerville

After completing an internship at CNN during the summer before my freshman year of college, I decided that Mass Media would my major at Clark Atlanta University. I began interning at 91.9 FM WCLK, the school’s radio station that broadcasted throughout Atlanta and nationwide via the internet. Read more>>

Jas Beats

My journey in music actually started as a musician before I ever became a producer or artist. From middle school through college, I played percussion in band and was fortunate to receive a lot of recognition along the way. Read more>>

Simone sharice

I’m originally from New York and come from a Jamaican family. For the past ten years, I’ve built a career as an international digital creator, educating audiences through wellness, beauty, and lifestyle content while partnering with leading brands. Along the way, I realized many people weren’t looking for another workout. Read more>>

KaLeah Steede

I’m Just a Girl Making My Dreams A Reality After Losing Myself to Grief Since I was 3-years-old, I have always loved dancing and would lose myself in the music as soon as t came on. As soon as I heard Michael Jackson or Jame Brown, I would break out into dance moves. Read more>>

Aly McGuire

The moment I started talking, reading, and writing at three, my parents knew I was going to have a delightfully loud personality and an unpredictably remarkable career. We didn’t know what career to expect back then. Now, artistry and music make the most sense. My worldview is derived from two main principles: love and serve others, and never let the bastards see you cry. Read more>>

Douglass Theatre

Opened in 1921 by Macon’s first black millionaire, Charles H. Douglass and his wife-Fannie Appling Douglass, the Douglass Theatre is a cultural anchor of the community. As a premier venue for the arts, scholarship, and learning, the theatre serves as a bridge to connect the stories and creativity of artists in the community. Read more>>

Kamonwan Norralak

I am a photographer from Thailand, born and raised in Chanthaburi, a small province in the eastern part of the country. I started taking photographs when I was 12 years old, and photography has now been a part of my life for over 12 years. My journey began by photographing my friends. Read more>>

Summer McCusker

I’m an actor, performer, puppeteer, voice artist, and drag show producer based out of Atlanta with a deep love for queer pop culture, storytelling, and anything with a healthy dose of whimsy. I’ve tried to fit into different boxes over the years, but I’ve grown to love that I’m not easily defined. Read more>>

William Brown

I was born and raised in Southern Maine, where my father ran his own construction company. I had a first-hand look at the hard work that went into this career and had a great respect for the craft. I chose a different path when I graduated from college in New York, spending the next 20 years living in NYC. Read more>>

Brandon Mathis

I was born in Atlanta, Ga in 2004 and lived with my mother, older brother, and stepfather. Growing up, football was my identity. I played running back for 15 years up until Fall 2025. I earned honors in All-state, metro, region, and county for my excellent performance Junior and Senior year at Starr’s Mill High School. Read more>>

Makayla Rose

I’ve been in love with performance art since I was a little girl. I grew up watching Disney Channel and Nickelodeon and for a long time just wanted to be a child star. I wanted to act, sing, and dance on TV and in movies. Read more>>

Arica J.

I started as a writer and grew into a Business Consultant. After walking away from a sales job in the tech space, I decided to lean into a writing career which led me to writing a business plan for a friend that she was able to use to get a $100K business loan. That began the snowball that was my business writing career. Read more>>

Omaree Watkins

Definitely trial an error bittersweet growing up seen the good and bad in life earlier but overall had a good upbringing I have a lot of family so I cherish those bonds as well as far as acting just showing up giving it your all from not booking to booking something and getting a call back for music not being able to perform at the clubs to getting paid performances growing everyday to be a better person Read more>>

Stephanie Laine

I’ve always had a rich inner world, a desire to make an impact, and a willingness to carve out my own path. At 20, I began turning that part of myself into something tangible, starting my entrepreneurial journey as a DJ, vocalist, and producer. Read more>>

Sara Maffey

Localhippo began in 2016 as a form of micro-placemaking. Placemaking can mean the development of a place from scratch like Avalon in Alpharetta, or the augmentation of a place that already exists like the redevelopment of South Downtown. It can happen at an urban scale or it can happen within buildings or even smaller – as I originally envisioned with Localhippo – within gift boxes. Read more>> 

Toni Federico

Carrie and I met after we both took the same art business program and immediately clicked. We then became co-hosts of a Patreon called Graphics Gang, which is a supportive community for artists like us. Read more>>

Samantha Swint

At just 16, I enrolled in a Personal Trainer Certification Course. Not because I thought I’d be coaching anyone, but because I wanted to learn how to navigate the gym safely, put together an effective workout program for myself, and learn a little more about lifting. Read more>>

Elaine Diaz

Sixteen years ago, I came to the United States, arriving in Miami. It wasn’t a move I had planned—it was a decision life forced me to make after my father was kidnapped in Venezuela. I had to leave everything behind and start over. Read more>>

Elise Keropian

If you’d like to learn a little about us, I’m Elise—the heart behind Teddy Puppies. I’ve loved dogs for as long as I can remember. In fact, my very first word as a baby was the name of my family dog, Boris, and for a long time, the only thing I wanted to be when I grew up… was a dog. Read more>>

Betty Njoku

The Queen of the Mic brand is a legacy built over 15 years of passion, excellence, and a deep understanding of entertainment. The journey began in Africa, where I worked with TVC (Television Continental), one of Nigeria’s leading television stations. I was given the opportunity to host their family funfair, which was broadcast live on television. Read more>>

Jonathan Silva

My journey in game development began with a simple dream: creating games that could reach players all over the world. Like many independent developers, I started with very limited resources, learning through experimentation, countless prototypes, and a lot of persistence. In 2020, I co-founded Statera Studio with the goal of building original games that combined engaging gameplay with a strong visual identity. Read more>>

Alexander Hudson

I’ve been expressing myself creatively since I was a child. I grew up in Roswell and I was singing and scribbling on any wall I could get a crayon or marker on. My dad worked in advertising and my mother was a real estate agent. The years following their divorce were very difficult but my imagination endured as a safe space for me. Read more>>

Michele PINETTE

I ran shipping and receiving department for over 25 years. We had a German Shepherd who started to get bacterial infections. I took him to a self wash doggy place to wash him and realize that I could do it better myself. Fur Babies was built in the ground up by myself and my family and friends. Read more>>

Sahar Shojaei

I am Sahar Shojaei, the designer behind The Dawn Design. Originally from Iran and currently residing in Atlanta, GA. My name, Sahar, means dawn. To me, It represents new beginnings, and the excitement of creativity. I’ve always believed that creativity can be both artistic and entrepreneurial. I studied Apparel and Textile Design, where I developed a deep appreciation for patterns and craftsmanship. Read more>>

Jerri Scherff

I came into dog training after almost two decades in veterinary medicine. I was a veterinary technician and practice manager for small/exotic animal hospitals. I retired in 2020 and opened my business Tulsa Pack Athletics LLC that same year and became a full time dog trainer and social media influencer. I was not expecting to become an influencer. That happened along the way. Read more>>

Zhana McAnally

I’m a triplet originally from Nashville, Tennessee, and my journey has always been shaped by creativity, curiosity, and a desire to create something different. Growing up, I always felt like I saw the world through a unique lens. I knew I didn’t quite fit into one box, and I carried this feeling that I was meant to build something beyond the ordinary. Read more>>

Will Brady

I grew up as a queer only child in rural Maryland with a very big imagination and a pretty clear instinct that I wanted to make people laugh. From a young age, storytelling became the place where I could fully express myself. I was drawn to comedy, performance, and big, emotionally honest characters before I even had the language to explain why. Read more>>

Jaie Parx

My journey in music began from humble beginnings in a small, four-walled church, where I started singing at just 2 years old. As I got older, I joined a boy band called Highway 85, founded by my cousin, Arcelious ‘SWAGG’ Harris, who is now a Grammy and Emmy Award-winning producer. After spending a few years together, the group eventually disbanded. Read more>>

Marcellus Platt

FearYourRegrets was originally supposed to be a clothing brand. I always had a niche for editing videos and cameras but never took it serious. One night i went out to a Car meet and i decided to bring my camera along. i didn’t really think much of it. Once I saw people actually supported my content i just decided i had to keep going. Read more>>

Erinn Stacie

I founded Millionaire Method with one mission: to create opportunities for independent artists, entrepreneurs, and brands by connecting entertainment with real business development. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across music, media, event production, marketing, and artist development, and I recognized that many talented people had the ability to succeed but lacked access to the right rooms, relationships, and resources. Read more>>

Reginald Laurent

I am a visual artist and educator whose vibrant, rhythm‑driven DNA Series has become both my signature style and a bridge into the world of K–8 education. After leaving corporate America to pursue art full‑time, I further developed a body of work defined by bold geometric and organic forms, expressive color, and a philosophy rooted in diversity, harmony, and human connection. Read more>>

Crystal Jackson

My story with cleaning started long before I officially owned a business. I grew up cleaning alongside my mother in her company, SingRock Cleaning Services. By the time I was in middle school, I was already learning that cleaning wasn’t just about making things look nice—it was about creating spaces where people could feel comfortable, productive, and at peace. Read more>>

Georgia Medical Cannabis Society, Inc.

The Georgia Medical Cannabis Society, also known as GMCS, started from lived experience, community need, and the belief that patients should not have to navigate Georgia’s medical cannabis program alone. We saw early on that many patients, especially veterans, seniors, disabled individuals, underserved communities, and families impacted by incarceration, were being left out of the conversation. Read more>>

Dontae Blinks

I started making beats at the age of 16 in high school, buying a ripped version of FL studio from a friend for $20. After making beats for friends and continuing to write poems, I started writing my own songs as well, eventually learning how to mix/master as well so I could be able to create my own albums from scratch. Read more>>

Shaske Smal

I became a professional makeup artist when I was only 19 years old. My first job was working with Cape Town Carnival right after I became a qualified artist and it was the most intense, fast pace, thrilling experience ever. After that I literally took any job as a makeup artist that I could get my hands on. Read more>>

Flapjaques

Flapjaques began Dj’ing in Champaign-Urbana sometime in 2017, later transitioning to producing hiphop instrumentals in 2019. Since then he has cultivated an online hub for beats made in & inspired by Chicago through ‘chicago lofi authority’, where he curates playlists, unique on location mixes, & an ongoing cypher series in tandem with his ever expanding & collaborative catalog. Read more>>

Adam Hale

My professional journey hasn’t been a straight line, and that’s part of what makes my story meaningful to me. After building a successful career in automotive sales and leadership, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue real estate—a field that had always interested me because of the impact housing has on people’s lives. Read more>>

Polow Lynn

My story really started in the music industry. I spent a lot of years in that world, and while it eventually opened up a lot of great doors for me, it also taught me a lot of bad habits — habits that were terrible for my health. Long nights, little sleep, always on the go, always chasing the next opportunity. Read more>>

Antress Witt

How did I get here? Lol, that is a good question. Being an actor was never on my list, but that changed in 2019. My former HR Manager was a background actor in ‘For Colored Girls’ back in 2010. I’ve always been a fan of Tyler Perry and love watching his shows but never imagined being on his set. Read more>>

Toni Salgado

Like many people, the COVID pandemic changed the direction of my life. Before becoming an entrepreneur, I spent years in the automotive industry and worked in sales for most of my career. I never imagined owning a business, but I had always been passionate about having a confident smile. Read more>>

Amari Kirby

My name is Amari Kirby, and I’m a strategic sales professional, entrepreneur, and the founder of Spiked Pops—an alcohol-infused push pop brand that blends nostalgic childhood memories with bold, handcrafted cocktails in popsicle form. The idea for Spiked Pops was born while I was in college at Georgia State University. Read more>>

JVWVN (Juwan)

My journey into music really started with a deep, foundational love for classic R&B—the kind of music where vocal production, storytelling, and raw emotion matter. For me, it wasn’t just about listening; it was about understanding how a song is built from the ground up, which naturally led me into songwriting and vocal production. Read more>>

Tram Mai

My journey in the beauty industry began in 2012 with a passion for helping people feel confident and beautiful. I’m a licensed cosmetologist who has earned numerous professional certifications and trained with some of the industry’s top master stylists from around the world. But my passion for beauty started long before my career. Read more>>

Marcus Tompkins

Marcus Tompkins (aka HT Mac) is an American independent entertainer, entrepreneur, author, actor, filmmaker, producer, director, recording artist and clothing line owner, music, film, literature and fashion. Marcus professionally known as HT- Mac , I began My journey pursuing music at a young age doing rap music, developing a passion for storytelling through music. Read more>>

Arcturus Robotics

Arcturus Robotics initially started out as a single FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team back in 2017. During the first several years of the Arcturus Robotics journey, the team competed well, mainly at the regional level. However, over the past few years, we have grown so much as an organization, reaching heights we never would have expected. Read more>>

Romina Prifti

They say that greatness has no age, but I believe it has a soul—and my soul was born to shine. Ever since I was a little girl, while others were lost in ordinary games, I was sketching my future on the runways of my imagination. Read more>>

Marcus Gore

Growing up, I’ve always been fascinated by business and technology. I loved the idea of building something from the ground up that could solve real problems and create opportunities for other people. That curiosity eventually led me into sales, where I developed a passion for understanding people, solving problems, and learning how businesses grow. Read more>>

Stephanie Babirak

I am a professional harpist, singer-songwriter, and small business owner based in NYC. My biggest goal is to make the harp accessible and FUN for audiences of all backgrounds. I have a new album, Rotten Fruit, that just came out on June 12th. When I’m not performing my original music, my small business is playing and contracting live music for weddings and corporate events. Read more>>

Trindalin Browning

In 2022, I was incarcerated, and that experience changed the course of my life. I take full accountability for the decisions that led me there. While incarceration was one chapter of my story, it is not the end of it. Read more>>

Imani Quiros

Social media has always been apart of my lifestyle. For years I have always been known as the friend who captures every moment or always has a camera on hand. I started my journey posting on socials back in high school, but it wasn’t until about a year ago I started posting consistently on TikTok and Instagram. Read more>>

Riley Hernandez

Growing up, I was always drawn to people, creativity, and the idea of building something meaningful. After graduating from the University of Southern California, I began my career in consulting, where I developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Read more>>

Santoria

My journey into entrepreneurship began during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 after I was laid off from my full-time job. Like so many others, I suddenly found myself at home during the lockdown with time to reflect and try something new. I decided to experiment with my own hair, and what started as a personal journey unexpectedly blossomed into a business. Read more>>

Bogdan Toderut

My journey has been anything but traditional. I was born in Romania and immigrated to the United States at 17. Growing up, I saw firsthand what it meant to live without many of the opportunities and freedoms that we often take for granted. Read more>>

Bri Blvck

I grew up singing in the choir. My mother was a keyboard player and singer and she was the minister of music at our church. She always touched people with her special voice and keyboard playing skills. I started singing aroubd age 5 and eventually begin playing violin once I reached middle school because it was offered as a class in school. Read more>>

Chikiya Allen

My journey has been one of growth, resilience, and discovering that taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. For more than two decades, I’ve dedicated my career to education, serving students, teachers, and school leaders in various roles. Outside of my career, I’ve also had the privilege of raising three incredible children as a single mother. Read more>>

Lauren Driskill

My love of clothing started early — from playing dress-up as a kid to styling friends for dates, special events, and job interviews. What always fascinated me was the transformation: the way a thoughtfully put-together outfit can shift someone’s confidence, help them express who they are, and open the door to new possibilities. Read more>>

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>>