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.

Rae Dare

I founded True Moment Crew LLC with the vision of providing dependable event support that helps clients, families, businesses, and event professionals navigate important occasions with confidence. Whether assisting with weddings, corporate events, family celebrations, event venue childcare, or non-medical accompaniment, my goal has always been to provide professional, thoughtful, and reliable support. Building the business has been a journey of continuous learning and growth. Read more>>

Lizz Gullickson

I was born and raised in the Twin Cities in Minnesota and started modeling and doing non-speaking commercial acting around the age of 12. I also participated in pageants early on, which really helped build my confidence and stage presence at a young age. Read more>>

Ashton London

I started singing when I was five years old after winning my first talent show. That’s when my interest in entertainment began. My parents started entering me into festivals and talent competitions throughout Memphis. I started getting booked for local events and took every opportunity I could at the time to be seen and heard. Those early performances opened doors to bigger opportunities. Read more>>

Christine Oswald

I fell in love with acting at a very young age. I grew up watching my older cousins perform in theatre and got into it as soon as I could. I performed with local musical theatre companies throughout elementary school and high school, training in acting, singing, and dancing. Read more>>

Toni Federico

Like many artists, my journey has been full of twists and turns. I became a freelance graphic designer in the 90s when the Internet was first spreading and websites were creative outlets. Over the years, I worked primarily with small business handling their graphic design needs. Read more>>

The Radio Show ATL

The Radio Show ATL started with a simple idea: create the kind of show we’d want to listen to ourselves. Back in 2015, a group of friends (ATL Diva, Ez, M-16, Khujeaux, and The Jerk) all with different personalities, opinions, and backgrounds came together because we all shared a love for great conversation, music, and entertainment. Read more>>

realwarmwinter

I started as a poet. I casually freestyled with my friends often, but one day I showed my friend a verse I wrote and left him speechless. He told me I should start being serious about music. That was around 2016. I didn’t become ‘realwarmwinter’ until 2022. Read more>>

Reed Donnelly

I guess you could say my life story can definitely be considered convoluted at times. Let’s start with some background. While I was born in Pennsylvania, I was only there for a year or so before continuously moving throughout the US for the rest of my life. I’m a military brat (a child of someone in the service). Read more>>

Andy Vible

I was born and raised in Wilmington, DE in 1989. When I was three or four years old before I was in kindergarten I had a strong desire to be good at drawing and from first grade to 8th grade I was the kid in class that was always drawing. Read more>>

Jakivia Swanston

JakofallTradez all started as a family nickname. Not necessarily because my family felt it fit my personality but because it simply was a play on my name Jakivia. As I got older I in love with so many things: dancing, skating, painting, hair and many more. Ultimately living up to the name Jak of ALL Tradez. Read more>>

Nicole Pettway

I’ve been a licensed nail technician and esthetician since 2013. I began my career in Florida but relocated and began servicing the Metro Atlanta area in 2015. I’ve built a brand and following by sharing my passion for healthy nail care and creative artwork. Read more>>

Shaina McGregor

Ohhh, where do I begin?! I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, and I grew up in a family, my mother specifically, who inspired curiosity. I started dancing at a young age and continued it throughout middle and high school. I fell in love with dance and decided that I wanted to be a professional dancer. Read more>>

Shelli Beermann

I grew up in South Florida and started working at a local art gallery while I was in high school, continuing there whenever I came home from college. Even then, I knew I wanted a career in business, so I majored in finance and marketing at the University of Miami. Read more>>

Chantrece Mcknight

Military Wife/ Mom/ Entrepreneur/ Stylist I am Chantrece McKnight, a woman shaped by resilience, faith, and the many roles I’ve grown into over the years. Read more>>

Marvoyee Yeedia

I remember sitting in the back seat of my parents’ car, watching people walk along the street as they drove, and quietly praying for them in my heart. Even at a young age, I knew I wanted to help people. Read more>>

Doriynn Morris

I grew up in Dothan, Alabama and I was born February 3, 2000. I grew up in a two parent household and they were very supportive and attentive . I honestly was a nerd growing up. I took my education very serious , I played piano and saxophone and I was always keeping my mind going . Read more>>

Contemporary Art Alliance of Georgia

THE STORY OF CAAGA In 2019, abstract expressionist artist Bettina Dickson Rusher moved to beautiful Saint Simons Island Georgia from the beautiful Lexington KY area. As she was getting to know the area better, she noticed that her style of art was hardly represented in Glynn County Georgia. Read more>>

Rachel Dinkins

La Clique Room began as a journey to gather like-minded women who love luxury in the city. What started in the group chat became our first girls’ cabin trip. After I posted photos of the beautiful luxury cabin I found, my DMs filled with women asking for an invite. Hosting is how I express myself—I love making every guest feel important. Read more>>

Jaelen Horne

I did not grow up with creative endeavors and music as an important part of my upbringing. Despite this, my father’s gifting of a PlayStation 2 ‘Slimline’ console at age 4 gave me an immense appreciation for the amount of effort and talent showcased in video game scores. Read more>>

David Pinkston

I’m originally from Syracuse, New York, I grew up with my father, mother and older sister in the home. My family showed me daily what it takes to keep a family together. This very thought was going to be test March 25,1992. I was involved in a really bad car accident at nine years old. I broke my right knee and my left ankle. Read more>>

Melissa Russell

I’m Melissa Russell with LUXO Collective. As an artist working with pencils, pens, sewing needles, and paintbrushes, I channel my creativity to express my world. Art has been my healing link between past and present, inspiring confidence in my dedication and skills. I grew up in Vermont and learned to sew from my grandmother. Read more>>

Tacinda Jones

Thank you, VoyageATL, for inviting me to share a little piece of my journey. I’m Taci, a Master Cosmetologist and Loctician. It’s funny how life works because my biggest insecurity growing up became the very thing that led me to my purpose. I was the self-conscious little girl with the struggle ponytails, wondering why my hair just wouldn’t grow. Read more>>

Jorge Gonzalez Jr

Peace. My given name is Jorge, and my stage name is J Diez MC. I got started in my journey with hip hop in Dorchester, MA, as a b-boy/dancer and fan of the art. I never competed or gained any professional attention with dance. I just loved how hip hop music made me feel. Read more>>

Justin Bishop

My journey into the music industry started with a simple belief: great artists deserve great opportunities. Growing up on the North Side of Chicago, I was surrounded by music and culture, and I became fascinated not just with the artists themselves, but with the people behind the scenes who helped build careers and create moments that lasted. Read more>>

Rae Mboga

I started out in high-school and stepping out my comfort zone such as wearing heels and drawing-on my eyebrows. I would get comments from teachers stating, “ Oh wow, I don’t even wear heels” or from students hating calling me “Sharpie eyebrows. This was before doing your eyebrows become a trend around 2015-2016. Read more>>

Denise Wells

People often ask whether I see myself as a creative or an executive. My answer is always the same: I have never believed those identities are separate. The most effective leaders understand the power of narrative, and the most impactful storytellers recognize that language has consequences far beyond the page. Read more>>

Lisa La Capra

I don’t know where to begin but, Hiya! I’m Lisa. I was born and raised in Brooklyn NY. Bushwick to be exact. I am an aspiring actor and I made my acting debut in a short film called ‘Oblivious’ with the indie production company, Fourth Film Productions. Now before I get into more of that, Let’s go all the way back to the beginning. Read more>>

Ana Coronado

I am a therapist in Atlanta who started her own practice in 2023. I didn’t always want to be a therapist. I actually spent a few years running away from it. My parents are both immigrants who worked very hard in the restaurant business to give me the opportunity to be the first in the family to attend college. Read more>>

Frank Yuan

My path to plastic surgery wasn’t a straight line, and I think that’s part of why I approach it the way I do now. I did my undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, followed by medical school at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Read more>>

Soulangie Leeper

My name is Soulangie Leeper, though many people know me as Efunbumi or Orisa’s Child. I’m an African/Garifuna-American intuitive guide, educator, entrepreneur, and content creator passionate about African spirituality, numerology, cultural education, and holistic healing. My journey has been anything but linear, and looking back, I can see that every chapter of my life was preparing me for the work I do today. Read more>>

Ben Tone

When I started Tone Production, the vision was simple — great stories deserve great visuals. I’ve always been passionate about filmmaking and creative storytelling, and I wanted to build something that gave businesses and brands a real way to connect with their audience through video. I started small. Read more>>

KillEm KaStilano

I started freestyling young in elementary school. Daily we were reciting raps from the likes of Nas, Craig Mac, 2Pac and others. That really inspired me to actually writing down my raps in middle school and even recording them on a karaoke machine. Me and my friends Stocks and Lama would sharpen our skills as much as we could! Read more>>

Jarred McGriff

I grew up in Franklin, New Jersey, in a house where both sides of what I do now were already in the air. My father is a hobbyist photographer, so a camera was never a foreign object to me. My mother built a career in marketing, so I grew up around the idea that a story well told can move people to act. Read more>>

Kimberly Geter

I was a choral director, music, and drama educator in Atlanta, Georgia. I loved music and drama. I knew that was what I wanted to do. I also enjoyed English and telling stories. So, my mom put me in piano lessons with a Japanese piano teacher in Lawton, Oklahoma. I’m from Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Read more>>

Ken AKA KMilla

I started off as young dreamer here in the south In SC always dreaming & being creative with a big personality. From a young kid I always knew I was different & destined for something greater & bigger. Dancing Watching Disney Channel BET 106&Park Music Videos The Award Shows. Read more>>

David Simpson, MBA

I moved to Atlanta from Brooklyn, and that move ended up shaping the entire direction of my career. I actually got my start in real estate as a wholesaler. That gave me a strategic, behind-the-scenes look at the industry how deals really work, how value gets created before I ever got licensed. Read more>>

Canyon Sorrells

Creativity has been a part of my story since I could hold a pencil. I started from drawing pictures of buildings and trains to completing my graphic design pathway in high school, yet I was still unsure of what my career path would be. I discovered my passion for photography after taking Intro to Photography at Georgia State University. Read more>>

Cameron Gelin

I’m a 26 year old first-generation Haitian American from Florida. I studied Information Technology and moved to Atlanta after graduation to start working in the financial technology industry. I’ve always had a knack for tech, starting from my first console, the Nintendo Gamecube. Read more>>

Kara Smith

I was born and raised just north of Atlanta in Marietta. I’m the daughter of a State Farm agent, but I wanted to chart my own path—so I studied Journalism and Advertising at the University of Georgia. Read more>>

Lorraine Rebuelta

First, I just was to say thank you so much for this opportunity, I am delighted to connect with your readers. I’m Lorraine, however many know me as LoLo these days. My story with massage and healing arts began when I was 9 years old, walking into my first crystal shop. Read more>>

Angel Brame

Angel The Queen originally grew up in Riverdale, Illinois and began her education at Oakdale Covenant Christian Academy in Chicago. She later studied Women’s Ministries and Communications on campus at Moody Bible Institute in downtown Chicago. Read more>>

Liz Schad

I’ve always been fascinated by people and the stories that shape them. That curiosity first led me into theatre, where I studied acting and directing, and eventually into film and television, where I earned my MFA in Television Writing and Producing from Chapman’s Dodge College of Film & Media Arts. Read more>>

STARBOY TRE

My story starts at a very young age. According to my mom, I’ve been singing since I was born. Looking back, there were little moments throughout my childhood that pointed me toward music. I’d sing at church with my cousins, and whenever we’d spend the night at each other’s houses, we’d spend hours singing and dancing just for fun. Read more>>

Courtney Dahlsten

It’s been a whirlwind! My husband and I met thru a non-profit missions organization in 2015 that is based out of Gainesville. (I’m from Memphis, he’s from Kansas). He then went on to work for the organization, while I was teaching in Memphis. A year later, I moved to Gainesville, too. Read more>>

Matthew Morgan Mosley

I started out getting my feet wet with this Tubi series called; “Seasoned” playing an insurance salesman. From there just built the courage to get going doing background work on shows like The Chi and Power Book IV: Force. Once I realized how much passion and genuine enjoyment I had for the industry, I started putting myself in rooms with like-minded people. Read more>>

Beoncia Dunn

I am Beoncia Nicole Dunn, a Fine Artist born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Daughter to Judy Marie Dunn & Terry Wayne Casimir. My Mother is a Track & Field Legend from Covington, Georgia. While my Father was a National Soccer Player & Professional BodyBuilder from Trinidad. I am a bold mix of Black American & Caribbean Culture. Read more>>

Kameron Jackson

My name is Kameron J. Jackson (23 yrs old), though most people know me simply as ‘Kam’. I’m from a small coastal county named, ‘McIntosh County’ located in Darien, GA. Growing up in a small town taught me that where you start doesn’t have to determine where you finish. Read more>>

Cara D’Adamo

My journey as an artist started at a very young age. My father is a musician, so I grew up surrounded by music, creativity, and storytelling. Being immersed in that environment inspired me to begin singing, dancing, and performing as a child. As I got older, my passion naturally expanded into acting, where I discovered a love for bringing complex, authentic characters to life. Read more>>

Jan Van Haute

I was 12 years old when I told my parents I wanted to enter Culinary school in my home country of Belgium. I got inspired to become a chef by my grandmother when I helped her clean vegetables for my Uncle’s (who was a chef) banqueting business. My parents supported me in choosing this path when I turned 14. Read more>>

Amber Thompson

People often ask how Pretty Kuntry came to life. The truth is, it wasn’t built overnight, it’s the result of a lifetime of experiences coming together, even before I realized it. I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, attending Creative Arts Education schools where dance was my focus. Performing became second nature. Read more>>

Kevin B Ploth

Kevin B. Ploth is an award‑winning New York–born actor, director, writer, producer, and military veteran whose work spans theatre, film, television, and independent cinema. He currently has 20 wins and 35 nominations across global film festivals and awards platforms, reflecting his growing reputation as a versatile multi‑hyphenate storyteller. Read more>>

ToneDownForWhat

Music has always been a part of me. I had an amazing teacher in 1st grade that I vividly remember. The way she taught music resonated to me as if learning a new language as a kid, It just sticks to you. Fast forward to 5th grade, I convinced (honestly ‘manipulated’, haha) my parents to buy me a guitar for an after school program. Read more>>