Inspiring Stories from Marietta & Surrounding Areas

Kimber Portmann

I began living the vintage life, loving the pinup aesthetic, at an early age while growing up outside of LA. I started doing professional hair and makeup early on and have worked hard to perfect my craft, bringing out the beauty in thousands over years. From California to Georgia, and several stops between, I’ve shared my art.  Read More>>

Ramona Long

After spending 25 years as an education specialist & consultant, family circumstances led me to early retirement. While looking for an opportunity that would allow me to be available to my family, my husband, Brian, and I went down the road of franchise research. Having spent my life thus far founded in the “it takes a village to raise a child” philosophy, I wanted something that would help me be impactful in my community still. That’s when we were introduced to Money Pages. Read More>>

Victor Collins

I grew up with dogs and once I owned my own dog, I found it difficult to travel or leave my dog with a trusted resource. I heard about doggy daycare and checked it out. I was satisfied but felt it could be more elevated, so I began exploring ideas in owning my own doggy daycare. I found this great opportunity with Hounds Town, and it is my goal to offer great dog daycare, boarding, and pet spa services. Read More>>

Kaylin Waylin

I started at a very young age, maybe around 9 or 10 years old, playing on my mom’s phone, making YouTube videos, and posting them on her YouTube page and Facebook. I was always an entertainer, but I never took it seriously. I always wanted to be in the WWE and still want to. I Do Hair also. I started taking YouTube seriously freshman year of high school at about 14 or 15 years old, but no one really took me serious so I stopped. Read More>>

Takisha Miller

In the bustling world of personal development, there are those who stumble into their life’s purpose by happenstance, driven by an innate desire to make a difference. Takisha Miller, affectionately known as Coach Kemi, embodies this narrative. From the humble beginnings of seeking sisterhood to orchestrating transformative conferences, her journey is one of resilience, compassion, and empowerment. Read More>>

Keshia Rice

It all started with a quarter-life crisis! I was unhappy with my life – I didn’t like my job, I wasn’t feeling spiritually fulfilled, and my relationships were terrible. I broke down one day while planning a friend’s bridal shower and became determined to turn things around. I took a new job, moved to Atlanta, and met the man who became my husband. After a few years of working on healing myself, I want to help other women do the same, so I became certified as a life coach, and decided to specialize in dating and relationships. Read More>>

Olivia Westbrooks

My story begins in Lafayette, Louisiana. As a young girl creativity came naturally to me. I would spend my days after school sketching, painting, and crafting. I remember my elementary school teacher always recruiting me to help her with creative projects. She actually had me paint the Statue of St. Mary in the school courtyard to bring it to life with color! My dad was a painter and wallpaper installer, so I was exposed to painting and the design trade at a very young age. Read More>>

Nicole Liveoak

My love of macrame began back in the fall of 2019. Funny enough, I discovered macrame on Facebook marketplace of all places. I saw a listing for a macrame plant hanger and thought I’d give macrame a try. From there my love affair of knotting took off. I started my business, Woven Oak Design, after the encouragement of one of my best friends, Tariana Sparrow. I had posted a wall hanging I was making on my Snapchat story; she loved it so much she bought it before it was finished!  Read More>>

Joshua Brown

I got started in Photography in 2018. A co-worker of mine was working with a media company who needed some new photographers, and at the same time, I was considering buying one just to learn for fun. My best friend is an artist and really sparked my interest in taking photos. I told my then-fiancée about my interest and the potential for it to make us some money, and she bought me a Canon Rebel T7 for Christmas that year. Read More>>

Quinton Legare

If you told a 10-year-old Quinton that one day he’d grow up to have a hiking business, he would have probably looked at you like you were out of your mind. I wasn’t the biggest fan of being outdoors unless it was playing backyard football. Fast forward to being 19, I found peace in the midst of a lot of the stress that comes with being a young Black man by spending time in nature. I started hanging out at Red Top Mountain;  Read More>>

Allie & Kyle Fugatt

Meet Kyle and Allie Fugatt, the dynamic duo behind Cherokee Rose Homes and The Mallard Hotel, nestled in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. This power couple’s love story began in middle school when they first met at the age of 13, becoming inseparable ever since. Now, with two children, Rileigh and Brayden, they have built a life filled with financial and time freedom through the lucrative world of short-term rentals. Starting their real estate journey in 2019 with home renovations and long-term rentals, Kyle and Allie quickly discovered their passion for flipping properties.  Read More>>

Jonathan Richardson

I’ve known my entire life I was called to serve God. At the age of 18, I felt strongly that God wanted me to do something, but I wasn’t sure what it was. After some conversations with close friends and family, I prayed for God to reveal what he wanted me to do. On July 18, 2001, I had a divine encounter where I was told to “GO AND PREACH THE WORD.” Since then, my purpose has been sealed. After graduating from Morehouse College and Emory University, I served at various churches and worked in finance and nonprofit development. Read More>>

Marion Savic

We opened in September 2013 with the goal of promoting and supporting local Georgia makers. My grandfather owned and operated a small grocery in Florida and that is where I got my love for small, local businesses. In 2013, it was challenging to find local businesses as the Georgia Grown entity was not fully operational as it is now. I knew about King of Pops, Red Hare – for beer and Root Beer, Savannah Bee, Pure Bliss Granola, etc.  Read More>>

Jordan Maldonado

I’ve always loved video and photography. I even remember a video of myself as a child on a Cartoon Network set. I kept getting distracted by admiring the entire set, lights, and crew instead of making sure I was seen by the camera. My professional career started years later, in 2013, when I got the chance to shoot a friend’s wedding. After that, I shot a few weddings here and there, but nothing really big.  Read More>>

Marcus Martin

I always had an interest in electronics since I was a child. After getting laid off from my previous job me my best friend, Marlon decided to open our own electronics repair store. His business experience and my technical experience were a perfect match. After 5 quick years of business, we’re still going strong with no plans on stopping. Read More>>

Jaila Gladden

I’ve always had a love for dogs growing up. I got my first dog, that I had for a short time, when I was 11. I immediately began to learn how to communicate with dogs because I deeply loved him but wanted to make sure he was well-behaved. In 2010, My mother and I rescued a lab puppy from our local shelter when I was 14, which I still have today. Shortly after, I personally enrolled myself in YouTube University to learn how to train my new puppy.  Read More>>

Sergio Queiroz Santos

I am still super focused on keeping up to date on any new trends and techniques, but right now, I am starting the business from zero since I did not know anyone here in Georgia prior to the move. Now, it is a lot about getting to know my community and being a part of this big family of Georgia! Read More>>

Marisa Skolky

Hi! I’m Marisa Skolky, the heart and soul behind Beyond Limits Expressive Arts Therapy LLC! I offer a unique blend of experiential and integrative alternative therapies to help you feel empowered and supported on all levels and break through stubborn blocks. I am a Healing Arts Practitioner and Medicine Woman, weaving Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Expressive Arts, and Plant Medicine together to create multidimensional transformation plans for my clients. Read More>>

Chantel Rice

As a true follower of Jesus Christ, I found strength and purpose in my unwavering faith. I started by sharing my personal testimony of overcoming various obstacles through God’s grace. From adjusting to life legally blind, divorce, and depression to abandonment, homelessness, and street life, I have triumphed over adversity with resilience and the love of Jesus. I believe my story serves as a reminder that a life dedicated to God can be filled with passion and purpose.  Read More>>

Rasheen Harris

My story will be in a book one day, and all I can tell you is just wait. As far as creating, I have been an artist for about 7 years. of age, and art runs in my family. I will most likely be 36 years of age by the time this comes out. I started in sketch but have been shooting photos and videos since 2015. I learned a lot of craft for my older cousin, JeffTabb.com, and also was mentored by one of the top photographers in Atlanta until I was viewed a competition. I’ll let you guess who that is… Love craft and peace. Read More>>

Trevor Shankman

I’m 21 years old. I own and operate a company called “Maria ATL.” Maria is an ultra-exclusive, underground dining experience inspired intimately by my grandmother. I initially began cooking when I was 13 years old after becoming obsessed with the intersection between art and food.  Read More>>