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.

Xazier Smith

You know I started in my grandmother’s den with my uncle. My uncle had a band and they would set up in my grandmother’s den to rehearse. I was like 7 years old living in Augusta Ga. He use to make me get on the mic and rap. Not make but like call me out, put me on the spot. Read more>>

Shamara Brummell

Surprisingly, my journey with content creation started out of nowhere! I remember as a kid dressing up as Sailor Moon and fighting the teddy bears in my living room and when I got older (with a little more expendable income) I hopped right back in. Read more>>

Milana Brown

I’ve always believed in finding a way to make things happen. Long before I knew exactly what career I wanted, I knew I loved storytelling. Growing up, I was always drawn to being in front of the camera, interviewing people, and finding creative ways to connect with others. Read more>>

Nyasho The Hermetic Healer

My Name is Nyasho and I was born from a British- Caribbean immigrant and an Indigenous man of the Americas. I am the founder and CEO of NOASBOAT INC. and creator of THE HERMETIC HEALER LLC., a digital health and wellness company on a mission to make not only healing but also business building; accessible, affordable, and radically human. Read more>>

Passion Symoan

I started rapping a little after college in 2018, I started to take it seriously in 2020 and it worked out for me. As time went on I got to work with some of my talented peers and have had great opportunities along the way. I hope to make it to another level one day if the opportunity ever presents itself. Read more>>

Moon Rutherford

I’m Moon Rutherford, originally from the South Side of Chicago, Chatham, and have been a Hoosier in Indianapolis for almost half of my life. I’m an intuitive painter, an award-winning creative director, and most of my life I was in the music business producing and DJing including a feature on VH1! Read more>>

Dr. Trenese McNealy

I am a wife, mom, author, entrepreneur, and life coach. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design with a Minor in Management from Georgia Southern University, a Master of Business Administration degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctor of Business Administration degree in Project Management from Walden University. Read more>>

Jourdan Chinn

I am a project manager and business owner for a global media production agency (Chinn Films) in partnership with marketing, modeling and business agencies/partners alongside The Ariah Network & Royalty Casting where the aim is simply to produce media content to showcase a wide range of brands and artists in different industries across the USA, UK & Europe. Read more>>

Radha Rose

Thank you for for this opportunity to share my story of how I found my voice. The gift of singing keeps on giving – it has helped thousands of bright souls in Atlanta and beyond reclaim their voices, sing and ‘chant for love’ (our community mantra). My path to get here, however, has been anything but conventional. Read more>>

Lara Al-Laham

I was born in Bethlehem, Palestine. My mother is American, raised between international cities and boarding schools and my father, Palestinian, originally from Beit-Etab and raised in Bethlehem as refugee. Needless to say, stability and identity were hot topics from the jump, each with their own complications. Read more>>

Safiyeh Mahbubi

My journey into fashion began at a very young age. I started working early in life, and my passion for design and fashion naturally led me to create tiny dresses for Barbie dolls. Those miniature designs were my very first sketches brought to life, and they gave me the confidence to dream bigger. Read more>>

Justin Allen

I’m originally from Birmingham, Alabama – born and raised. I studied Mechanical Engineering at Alabama A&M University, and in 2015 I moved to Georgia to work for a company I thought would be a lasting career. Read more>>

Teneise Ellis

I am a Chesapeake, VA native, a wife, a mom of two beautiful daughters, an artist, and an educator. I began dancing at Evelyn Ott School of Dance at age 5 and immediately fell in love with the art form. I danced competitively throughout high school, and received my Bachelors of Fine Arts as a Dance Performance Major at the University of the Arts. Read more>>

Niki Gavahi

My love for baking began long before Knead to Savor, it started in my family’s kitchen. Growing up in a Persian household, some of my favorite memories were baking alongside my mom and grandmother, learning recipes that had been passed down through generations. Food was never just about eating; it was how we celebrated, connected, and showed love. Read more>>

Cleo Mobley

Education has always been my first passion. Over the course of about a decade, my career took me from classrooms in France and New York to schools in Georgia and the United Arab Emirates. Along the way, I served as a Lead Teacher, Instructional Coach, Grade Level Chair, Curriculum Developer, and school administrator. Read more>>

Noureen Sohani

I’ve been in the beauty industry for over a decade, and my journey has taught me that success is rarely a straight path. After losing everything I’d worked so hard to build, I chose to start over. In 2020, during one of the most uncertain times in the world, I rebuilt my business from the ground up with nothing but faith, determination, and a vision. Read more>>

Will Burnett

I’m Will EZ, an upcoming R&B artist from Douglasville, Georgia! I’ve been singing publicly since I was 11, but I really didn’t start taking myself seriously as an artist until my freshman year of college. I’ve always been involved in the arts, but my love for music really grew in high school. Read more>>

Prosper Light

I’m a Nigerian filmmaker, actor, writer, and creative entrepreneur, and the founder of OGWA Studios, a purpose-driven film and television production company focused on telling authentic stories that inspire conversation and social change. My journey into storytelling didn’t begin with access or perfect circumstances. It began with curiosity, a deep love for people, and a desire to make meaning out of my own experiences. Read more>>

Katelyn Edwards

In the midst of the end of my 12th grade year, 2021. Covid had been around for sometime prior, so my last year of high school wasn’t so memorable for me being the social distancing circumstances and it just affecting my personal life in many ways. Read more>>

Rosa Beatty

My story. Where do I start? We can start the year I moved to Georgia, summer of 2017. At that time, I had just escaped an almost decade-long abusive relationship. It wasn’t as easy as one sentence makes it seem, but I ended up in a situation where it was a little better, though still wasn’t the best. Read more>>

Xavier Medina

Basschillz was built from resilience, independence, and the need to turn difficult beginnings into something with purpose. I did not come from a path where everything was already laid out for me. I had to grow up early, learn how to adapt, and figure out how to create opportunities with limited resources. Read more>>

Erick Robinson

At the tender age of 16, I began developing a stronger passion for photography and the impact of capturing special moments. I would arrive to my high-school an hour earlier than my classmates to capture them arriving; with great excitement to photograph their outfits of the day. Read more>>

Deanna Johnson

Food has always been such a huge part of my life. Growing up in Rhode Island, I come from a very large family. We always had a reason to gather even if it was just because it was a nice day. We’d go fishing, my dad taught us how to hook bait and scale fish. Read more>>

Adrienne Michel

I’m Adrienne Michel an educator, community organizer, former licensed private banker, and a successful entrepreneur for over 12 years. Born and raised in the Bronx to a Black American mother and Haitian father. My parents had a strange relationship, but something they had in common was ambition, drive, work ethic, and community. Read more>>

Luxx Genesis

I’ve been immersed in music for as long as I can remember…. even before I could talk, I was singing. Growing up, I was always inspired by legends like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, the Temptations, Aaliyah, and even the fictional Five Heartbeats. they all fueled this early knowing that music was my path. Read more>>

Andrika LaRita

I’ve always been someone who enjoys curating experiences, whether it was helping someone find the perfect bottle of wine, discovering a skincare product that actually works, or creating moments that bring people together. Looking back, I realize that’s always been the common thread in everything I’ve done. Over the years, my interests evolved into a deeper appreciation for intentional living. Read more>>

Jacqueline Ciulla

I’ve been a hairstylist for over 13 years, and while hair has always been my profession, serving people has always been my passion. I’m originally from New York, and when I moved to Georgia, I didn’t know anyone. Every client, every opportunity, and every relationship I’ve built has come from starting completely from scratch. Owning a business has stretched me in ways I never imagined. Read more>>

Dr. Onika Campbell-Rowe

I was born in Chambers Pen, Hanover in Jamaica and now call Antigua and Barbuda home. My journey has never followed a conventional path. It has been shaped by faith, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to advancing human dignity, social justice, and humanitarian service across the world. Read more>>

Toni Galloway

My journey started long before I every knew anything about Beauty standards. I remember watching my Mom do her skin care as early as 4 years old. I was intrigued with why she did it to her skin every day. From that point on I would try to mimic her when she would leave for work or to go out with my Aunts to dance. Read more>>

Azana Madison

I’ve always been in the spotlight as a child, whether through sports, music, or performing. Growing up, I loved to dress up and play pretend with my family and friends (or even by myself). I never had the true realization that acting was something I wanted to take seriously until I was cast in my middle school stage production of Aladdin Jr. Read more>>

Allen Florito

I was born and raised in Georgia, and I started working in the restaurant industry at 14 years old simply to make a little spending money while I was in school. At the time, it was just a paycheck. I never imagined it would become my life’s passion. Read more>>

Natalie Ragins

I was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. My musical journey began at the young age of three. Encouraged by my mother, I enrolled in a weekend arts program where I initially explored dance and gymnastics. However, by age six, my artistic focus shifted to drama and visual art, which led to my first big creative decision. Read more>>

Dora Jenkins

I was born and raised on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, in the heart of the Gullah Geechee community. This is a culture that taught me the importance of faith, resilience, service, and honoring those who came before me. Those values have become the foundation of every chapter of my life. Read more>>

La’Nisha Rene’ Townsend

Success Without Sacrifice: How La’Nisha Rene Is Redefining Sustainable Entrepreneurship! For more than 17 years, I built my career in corporate America, leading marketing, brand strategy, and sales enablement initiatives for organizations across multiple industries. I loved creating systems, building high-performing teams, and helping businesses grow, but becoming a mother changed the way I defined success. Read more>>

Adaobi Ifi

Ever since I was little, all I’ve wanted to be was a pop star. Music has always been the dream, and as I got older, I fell even more in love with Afrobeats because it’s a part of who I am. I’m a first-generation Nigerian American, so I grew up surrounded by the music, culture, and energy that continue to inspire my sound today. Read more>>

Bianca Ume

Hi there! My name is Dr. Bianca Godwins Chinenye Ume, Founder & Executive Director of Godwins Family Care, a premier Atlanta-based Care Organization and Clinical Practice providing Private Home Care, Home-Based & In-Clinic Primary Care, and Independent Medical Examinations. Read more>>

Vera Harper

I’m the owner of Harper Hospitality Group, the company behind Hookah Haus Concierge and Vibes & Strokes. Entrepreneurship has always been a part of who I am. Years ago, I promoted concerts and events, but after experiencing some personal setbacks, I stepped away from the industry for nearly 14 years. When I decided to return, I asked myself one question: What could I do differently? Read more>>

Jenelle Lovell

My story actually starts in my childhood living room. As an only child, I would always put on shows for my parents and whomever walked through our doors. I was dancing so much that my parents completely mirrored their walls so I could see my reflection whenever I was in that room. Read more>>

Jayla Slade

Meet Jayla Marie My name is Jayla Marie, and I am a 33-year-old Stage 4 cancer warrior, professional makeup artist, entrepreneur, Reality TV star content creator, influencer, motivational speaker, and, above all else, a proud child of God. Born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, I hold my hometown close to my heart. Read more>>

Paris Turner

Paris started in the acting industry as a background artist. Paris’ first booking was a “party kid”, for a film called “Deep Water”. After a couple background bookings, Paris made several inquiries, to mom, to be in front of the camera. Paris wanted to book speaking roles and roles where she could be silly. Read more>>

Peyton Turner

Peyton started in the acting industry as a background artist. Peyton’s first booking was a “church kid”, for a film called “Where the Crawdads Sing”. Peyton’s scene didn’t make the Final Cut, but she enjoyed her experience on set. After successfully booking a few more background projects, Peyton wanted some type of dialogue to interact with other actors while filming. Read more>>

Kenroy ‘Kenne’ ‘Blessin’ Carney

I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and grew up in St. Thomas, in a community called Yallahs with grandma. I attended Yallahs Primary School and later Morant Bay High School. My love for music started early through my family, who introduced me to music and helped shape my appreciation for the art form. I got back into music in Antigua, first through karaoke. Read more>>

Dr. Jemarquise Newell

Some careers are built by climbing a single ladder. Others are built by constructing bridges. My story has always been about building bridges. Long before I earned the title of ‘Doctor,’ I was drawn toward understanding people—their motivations, their potential, and the environments that help them succeed. I discovered early that organizations are not transformed by policies alone. Read more>>

Chanel White

I’ve always loved beauty, fashion, and helping people feel good in their own skin. I started out as a licensed cosmetologist and spent years in the beauty industry before moving into retail operations and brand partnerships. Read more>>

Uma Daya, PA-C

I didn’t grow up thinking I would end up in aesthetics. I always knew I wanted to work in medicine because I loved science and I loved helping people, but I wasn’t exactly sure what that would look like. After graduating from the University of Georgia, I went to physician assistant school at Long Island University in Brooklyn and started practicing in 2009. Read more>>

Michael Crocker

I’m a husband, father, Army veteran, and the founder of Atlanta Fathers Association. Like many dads, I spent years focused on providing for my family, building a career, and trying to be the best father I could be. Read more>>

Cody Mitchell

In 2022 we began farming pastures broiler chickens. We were looking for an alternative to the traditional meat that you find in the grocery stores. We believe in a vaccine and medicated free meat as most chicken is raised with a medicated feed. Read more>>

Misha Dilma

I’m a fourth-year medical student, but I’m not walking the path most of my classmates are. My dream is to become a physician working ringside in the UFC. It didn’t start that way. In my third year of medical school, I hit a wall of uncertainty: the traditional physician career I’d been building toward for two years just didn’t fit. That was terrifying. Read more>>

Matthew Levine

I got my start taking on whatever video work I could find through Craigslist while I was in college. Those early gigs eventually led to shooting music videos and independent films, where I slowly found my footing in the film industry. At the same time, I’ve always been writing and directing. Read more>>

Necole Alexander

On The Go Lab Services LLC was born out of my passion for making healthcare more convenient and accessible. I’ve worked in the laboratory field for several years, gaining experience in specimen collection, patient care, and the importance of accurate, timely testing. Throughout my career, I saw that many people struggled to get laboratory services because of busy schedules, transportation challenges, or long wait times. Read more>>

Andre Belue

SnapTastic Photo Booth is more than a business to me—it’s a reflection of who I am. I’ve always been someone who loves bringing people together, building relationships, and creating experiences that people remember. Read more>>

Marquis Smith

I was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and raised in Gainesville, Georgia. Creativity has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. As a child, I didn’t understand the technical side of art, but creating came naturally. Read more>>

Jennifer Okpukpara (Onyirimba)

My journey really began with a deep love for children and appreciation for education. For as long as I can remember, I have always been drawn to caring for children and supporting the people who love them. That passion along with my interests in math and sciences led me to pediatrics, where I found the perfect intersection of medicine, education, advocacy, and family-centered care. Read more>>

Sara A. Crawford

Creativity has always been at the center of my journey, even though the industries I’ve worked in have evolved. I studied fashion design and marketing, where I developed a foundation in visual storytelling, branding, and design. I went on to launch my own fashion brand, Anara Original, while gaining experience with brands like Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, and DDC Lab. Read more>>

Franshesca Pascal

My entrepreneurial journey began with a deep interest in wellness, self-care, and holistic practices that support both physical and emotional balance. That interest led me to create Yoni Rose, a wellness-based brand focused on intentional self-care and helping women reconnect with themselves through everyday rituals. Read more>>

MiMi Harris

This past June, I was one of 16 HBCU volleyball players selected to play in the 2nd annual Ditsala Volleyball Tournament in Gaborone, Botswana. Athletes of HBCUs traveled to Africa to compete internationally against teams from both Botswana and Zambia. My volleyball journey is what helped me to get to this point. Read more>>

Kai Dawson

I have always been multifaceted & creative, but I started to take control of my skills my freshman year of college at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU). My original plan was to help my Mom out with tuition over the years until I found out how realistic juggling school, work, & a personal life was on top of running a business. Read more>>

Sylvia Alls

I love this question because so much has changed in how I’d answer it today. If you were to ask me this question five years ago, I’d probably say ‘oh, I’ve always loved photography. I started taking it seriously in college and continued developing my craft throughout my twenties.’ That’s still true, but it’s no longer the story I lead with. Read more>>

Rachael Jones

I’ve been behind the chair for over 10 years, and my career began as an apprentice working alongside my sister, Star Tucker, owner of Star Salon. She’s been more than just my mentor—she’s been my teammate, my biggest supporter, and someone I’ve had the privilege of working beside throughout my entire career. Read more>>

Destiny Wilson

My name is Destiny Wilson, Founder and CEO of Faith & Sips (F&S), a minimalist luxury faith-based fashion brand. F&S was born from my passion for fashion and the two things that have grounded me through every season of life: my faith and my love for coffee. Read more>>

Keierica Howard

My story starts in Houma, Louisiana. I was singing before I could really talk in full sentences. My family loves to tell the story of me belting out ‘Candy Rain’ at three years old, while making them my audience along with the bushes. Just this tiny kid with no shame, going for it. Read more>>

Haven Knott

I dont think I became creative because I was looking for a hobby. I became creative because I was searching for somewhere safe to place everything I couldn’t say out loud. I grew up in an enviroment where observation became a form of self-preservation. Before I ever learned how to make myself heard, I learned how to pay attention. Read more>>

Leyshla Colon

My entrepreneurial journey began in 2022 when I launched Leyshla’s Luxe Shop, a handcrafted candle business. What started as a small business has grown into a brand that not only offers handcrafted candles but also hosts candle-making workshops that bring people together through creativity and connection. Building a business while working a full-time job hasn’t been easy. Read more>>

Afolabi Ayinde Idowu Esuleke

I was born and raised in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, into a family where the traditions of Isese and Yoruba spirituality have been faithfully preserved for generations. I am the son of the late Chief Kayode Idowu Esuleke, who served as the Baale Esu and Gbojeniyi of Osogbo, and the late Princess Moradeke Elizabeth Idowu Esuleke. Read more>>

Deshown Braswell

I started as an artist just making music. I eventually was approached by directors to join a tyler perry film ! I worked on the film and was told modeling would be a great fit for my height and appearance Read more>>

Andre Rockwood

I started making music by experimenting with whatever interested me at the time, making Jersey club and house music tracks while teaching myself production through trial and error. Those early releases helped me realize that I wasn’t interested in fitting into one genre. What fascinated me most was creating atmosphere and making music that could pull people into its own world. Read more>>

Keyanna Edwards

Growing up as the only girl in the house, it took me a while to build my confidence. My brothers would ask for video games and sports gear for holidays and their birthdays, while I would ask for whatever the latest technology was that came with a camera, whether it was the Nintendo DSi, the new Apple iPod, etc. Read more>>

John Paul Kesling

I am an artist and painter. I was born in Ashland, KY in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. I attended undergrad at Morehead State University and spent a summer studying art history in Bregenz, Austria where we were allowed to travel to other parts of Europe on the weekends. Read more>>

Jaylen Scott

To start off, my name is Jaylen Scott, but I also go by D1bjay. I’m a 21-year-old instructor session and lead guitarist from the South Side of Chicago. Growing up in Chicago wasn’t as difficult as people often make it seem, at least not in every aspect. Read more>>

Rev. Ronnie Fuller

People often see where I am today, but they don’t see the journey it took to get here. Long before prison, I struggled with insecurity and self-doubt. I often questioned my own abilities. Those early experiences shaped how I saw myself for years. Looking back now, I realize they didn’t define me—they prepared me. Read more>>

Mercedes Bazan

I grew up in Buenos Aires and studied graphic design at the University of Buenos Aires. In 2016 I moved to San Francisco. Over the past ten years I’ve worked across brand, editorial, and event design: art directing Increment Magazine, designing Stripe Sessions four years running, and building internal tools that let non-designers produce on-brand work independently. Read more>>

John Bain

John Bain: The Vision Behind Trillz Tha Martian In an era where artists are expected to be more than musicians, John Bain—better known as Trillz Tha Martian—has embraced the role of creator, entrepreneur, strategist, and independent visionary. Read more>>

Isatuu Lamarana

My journey into photography honestly happened by accident. After graduating high school in 2021 during COVID, everything was online and I was bored. I wanted to put myself out there, meet new people, and be part of something bigger than staying home all day. That is when I joined Flaunt It movements. I originally signed up because I was interested in hairstyling, not photography. Read more>>

Inaya Wilson

Growing up I was always surrounded by family members and family friends that were interested in cosmetology. My mom is a hairstylist so naturally I developed the skill from helping her with clients & seeing how she does things. In 2017, I decided to take the craft more seriously as I needed a way to make money going into my freshman year in college. Read more>>

Ronny Mathew

I started out as a professional mechanic, actually. I always enjoyed entertainment, I loved making people laugh and smile, but I was more of a technical person that was left in awe by people that had such mastery over their creative expressions. One day I hit a glass ceiling with being a technician. I felt stunted and like I needed to do *more*. Read more>>

Deja Pino

I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where I was raised by my mom and my aunties. I went on to attend Alabama State University, where I earned my degree in Communications with a concentration in Radio, Television, and Film. Read more>>

Jay Trikha

I got into this industry the same way a lot of people do. I started wherever someone would give me a chance, and I just kept working my way up. I was not born here, so when I came to this country, I did not have a built-in network or a clear roadmap. Read more>>

Devonte Sydnor

I started out DJing in 2018 in a small town in Kansas called Garden City. The manager of this club I used to frequent was looking for a new DJ. I said i would do it, but I had no gear. I was a phone DJ for a while until I got enough to buy my first controller. Read more>>

Sasha Henry

My journey began with a simple piece of string and a desire to create. What started as hand-making bracelets evolved into a way to connect with people through small, intentional acts of creativity. As I grew, so did my desire to share something even deeper. I realized that my passion wasn’t just about the craft—it was about the message. Read more>>

Uriel Newman

I’m 22, born in California and raised between Germany, Macon, and Gwinnett County. The first deal I ever closed was with my dad on a track in Germany. I asked him: if I ran the laps, would he get me the shoes I wanted? I ran. He did. That’s been the pattern since. I name the thing, I do the work, I collect the proof. Read more>>

SHANA Rivers

My journey into real estate started with a passion for helping people, but over time I realized that my calling extended beyond serving clients—I also wanted to serve other agents. Early in my career, I saw how overwhelming and intimidating this industry could be, especially for new agents who often felt like they had to have all the answers. I wanted to create something different. Read more>>

Laniya Mapp

Cupcake Bliss by Niya started from my love of baking and my desire to create memorable desserts that bring people together. What began as baking for family, friends, and special occasions quickly turned into a passion that I wanted to share with my community. As more people started requesting my cakes and cupcakes, I realized I could turn what I loved into a business. Read more>>

William Kovacs

We got married in 1993, and two years later we bought our first house. Almost as soon as we’d settled in, we did something I’d been waiting my whole life for: we adopted a dog — a very sweet German Shepherd-Golden Retriever mix we named Samantha (Sam). Jen had a dog growing up, but I didn’t. Read more>>

Jasmine Duncan

I always tell people my business was a happy accident. Looking back, I can see how everything I had done before was leading me here, but I definitely didn’t realize it at the time. In my early twenties, I worked an office job while spending a lot of my free time creating YouTube videos and trying to grow as a content creator. Read more>>

Fion Jemison

My journey has been anything but conventional. I spent time in foster care as a child, lost both of my parents at a young ages, became a young mom and lost my sister to suicide. Each of those challenges has shaped the person that I am today. Read more>>

Versaille Jones

When I was younger my mom decided to see if I , at the age of 3 years old, would grow a liking towards ballet. And I did ! This extracurricular activity would then be added to soccer,swimming,girl scouts, chess club, BIPOC counsel , cheerleading etc. Around middle school my mom gave me the choice of which activity I was most passionate about. Read more>>