Highlighting Local Gems

Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories.  Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.

Soo Oh Bang

I wouldn’t say I’m always tap dancing to work—most days, my steps feel heavy. But the moments when I get to share my work with others—those are the moments I tap dance for. One of those moments was when my short film Crohn’s: The Musical, a comedic musical, was screened at the 2024 New York Shorts International Film Festival and at Columbia University. Read more>>

Karmen Scott

I believe I could, and that’s one thing I would want people to know me for. I’d especially want my kids to see me as someone who didn’t give up and kept going in spite of. I want to be known for writing because of my love for it, because of the stories I told and the impact they left on people. Read more>>

Loi Caleis

Yes, because I live for God. My purpose isn’t rooted in people’s praise but in fulfilling what I believe He has called me to do. If I know I’m operating in alignment with His will, I give my best regardless of who notices. Read more>>

Daniel BROWN

Honestly, I’d say now people are truly listening. After making the tough call to close what would have been our second gilly location in Castleberry Hill, my business partner and I chose to step away from social media. What started as a three-month sabbatical has stretched into well over a year without consistent posting. Read more>>

Antonisha Hicks

Yes, I’ve had moments where I thought I wanted something, and when I got it, it didn’t really satisfy me. But on the other hand, I truly believe God has always blessed me with what I needed — even when I didn’t realize it. Read more>>

Dr. Shekina Farr

Absolutely, and it changed the entire course of my life. About fifteen years ago, while serving as an Assistant Principal, I stood up for a colleague who was being treated unfairly. I knew that speaking out might make me a target, but I didn’t expect the full weight of what followed: being professionally isolated, discredited, and eventually blackballed. Read more>>

Saikou Toure

Fads fade and foundational shifts last……. Fads are like that flash in a pan. They are eye catching and fast but disappear quickly with low chance of reappearing. Unlike fads; Foundational shifts are well developed, have exit plans and are much more consistent. Read more>>

Jaslyn Harris

Patience & Purpose! If it is purpose led, you’re not doing it for yourself. You wake up every single day knowing that you have a job to do, a mission to accomplish for the sake of others. You know that if you don’t become who you are destined to be, you are depriving someone else of their blessing. Read more>>

Ambra Jordan-Velic MSN, APRN, CRNA

At Prima Doll, we’ve always been rooted in enhancing natural beauty, embracing aging, and doing it gracefully and age-appropriately. From the very beginning, our philosophy has been about subtle, timeless results, not trends. There was a time when the “filler face” look became a widespread fad, and in some places it still is. But not here. Read more>>

Amanda Ray Newman

My gut reaction is laundry, but that would be a tough year 3 :). Honestly, I chose this question, then realized I don’t have a great answer. I am 47 years old. I come from a lineage of heart disease. I really may only have 10 years. That reality is never something I’m naive about. Read more>>

Daverney Freeman

What would remain is the impact—the ripple effect of love, advocacy, and belief poured into people who needed it most. If my name, titles, and possessions were stripped away, I’d hope what’s left is the proof that someone cared deeply about community. That a young person who once struggled in silence now has a voice and vision. Read more>>

Joycelynn Okezie

My faith in God, my calling, my prayers, and His Word—which endures forever—are the foundation of my life. The Bible says, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35, NIV). I am not defined by how much money I make, how many degrees I have, what I studied in school, or my title or role within a company. Read more>>

Solely Tonia

If you take away my name, role, and my possessions, a healer would remain. I feel that we’re all put on this Earth to heal one another. Whether it’s through art, comedy, music, movies, food, medicine, agriculture, public speaking or any other practice, job, or title that’s associated with a person, it all has the ability to heal. Read more>>

Taylor Richardson

My heart. My voice. My purpose. The love I’ve poured into people, the lives I’ve touched, and the fire in me that refuses to let anything fear, systems, or setbacks win. What would remain is a kind spirit that keeps showing up, even when it’s hard. Read more>>

Shannon Roberson

I think my customers would miss the nails the most lol. I absolutely love what I do and it shows in my work. I also think they would miss the vibes and conversations we have. My nail suite is a safe place for my clients. I’ve built some great relationships. Read more>>

Sincerely Tokyo

In 2015, I lost my daughter at birth. A lot of people don’t know that, but it’s a part of my story. I often think about the “what ifs”—what life would be like with her, what she’d look like. I go hard every day as if she were here, because I had big dreams for us. And those dreams haven’t stopped. Read more>>

Tasj-Mari Myers

We live in a time like no other. We have constant access to each other and to celebrities or people that we look up to. Our algorithms are flooded with curated content and new features for us to interact with each other. Read more>>

Trey Benham

A normal day for me is being very intentional about how I spend every minute. I make sure I dedicate time to my full time job, Black Bartow, and most importantly, myself and loved ones. My days are proactive. When I have down time on my job, I’m working on future objectives. Read more>>

Michaela Magor

One of the biggest lies the organizing industry tells itself is that organizing is just about tidying up or making things look neat — as if it’s only about appearances. The truth is, organizing is much deeper than that. It’s about creating personalized systems that truly support each person’s lifestyle, reduce stress, and bring clarity and peace of mind. Read more>>

Mariama Tatum

I think that this is an amazing question. I few years ago, I would say that the public version of me was the real me. However as time has gone on, I have purposefully not revealed deeper parts of myself. I find safety and protection in observing my surroundings and I like to be a bit more reserved. Read more>>

Tamika Terry

Honestly, it varies—whether I’m on set, freelancing, or (let’s be real) looking for work, which feels like 75% of the job sometimes! My day usually starts with coffee—that’s non-negotiable. Lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to do my own makeup in the mornings. I’d gotten way too comfortable skipping it, but now it’s part of how I pour into myself. Read more>>

Quiana Malone

“I’m chasing impact through Dear Black Girl — creating spaces where Black women and girls can heal, grow, and access education. Read more>>

Ashley Wright

I’m currently on a journey toward fulfilling my life dream, and this path has led me to a beautiful ministry that I believe God has placed in my heart. I feel truly blessed to have discovered a talent and passion for makeup artistry. Read more>>

David Cunningham

The battle I tend to avoid is the one within myself. I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression, and I’m often my own harshest critic. On the outside, I can seem focused and driven, but internally, I wrestle with self-doubt and the weight of expectations I put on myself. Read more>>

Tiffany Goode

The battle that I am avoiding now is the deepest one. The battle of self. The battle of really assessing my fears and doing what needs to be done to transmute those fears into my super powers. I do a lot of meditation, shadow work and visioning on the future. This allows me to transform myself constantly. Read more>>

Schellbie Bibbins

Right now, I’m actively pushing back against complacency. I’ve realized that as life has become more stable and comfortable, it’s also become harder to make the bold sacrifices necessary for a better future. Stability is good—but I’m striving for greatness! And my first step will be the opening of Rousseau’s ATL! Read more>>

Tatyanna Freeman

I think the bonds between people are broken when trust, empathy, or communication is lost. Misunderstandings, dishonesty, or neglect can create distance, even in the closest relationships. What restores those bonds is vulnerability and presence—truly listening, being honest, and showing up for someone without judgment. Read more>>

Melissa Morehead-Moore

Fear breaks bonds—fear of being misunderstood, rejected, or not enough. When communication shuts down, trust erodes, and pain goes unspoken, relationships begin to fracture. Pride, assumptions, and emotional walls widen the gap. What restores those bonds is truth, vulnerability, and intentional healing. It takes courage to have the hard conversations, humility to own our part, and grace to move forward. Read more>>

Cary Matthews

I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently: no relationship – professional or personal – can thrive without trust. When you trust someone, you know they have your best interest at heart, even when they challenge you or are doing things you may not clearly understand yet. You’ve heard it said that trust isn’t given, it is earned. Losing trust is simple: don’t be consistent. Read more>>

Amber Gonzalez

Wow, this one’s deep. What breaks the bonds to me; when we stop listening, stop showing up, or let pride speak louder than love, that’s when things start to unravel. Then what restores them…. Choosing to stay and listen when things get uncomfortable. Sometimes, what restores us isn’t even the other person, it’s us choosing to heal, to forgive, to soften, even when they don’t. Read more>>

Jashanna McQueen

A higher power is real, and the universe is on my side. My ancestors protect me daily. Angel numbers embody powerful symbols in my life, a truth that can be both proven and debated. My faith is my haven, and prayer has saved my life. I receive messages through animals and conversations. I live and breathe the spirit, remaining unwaveringly faithful. Read more>>

Paula Vester

Although I cannot prove this, I will continue to believe and spread the word that if people find some textile pastime to work on as a hobby that they will find themselves in a better place in their lives. Read more>>

Nick DA Kid

Whats understood about radio is…. everything lol. The average listener and MOST CERTAINLY not the artist that want to get their music played have no idea what makes this machine work. Their is a science behind radio and what we do as personalities. Read more>>

Kevin and Elaine Shen

Oh, where do I start? People hear “photography business” and immediately assume I spend all day just clicking a button and suddenly magic happens. If only it were that simple. Read more>>

Keys Harper

I think my brand is often misunderstood because of the name. When people hear “Spoiled Brats,” they assume it’s for women who are snobbish, entitled, or think they’re better than others. But in reality, it’s so much deeper than that. Spoiled Brats is a line for the ones who give endlessly, love deeply, and rarely get poured back into. Read more>>

Amber Brannen

I think the most common misconception about photography is that ‘anyone can hold a camera and snap some pictures’. That is the furthest thing from the truth. SO much knowledge and artistic skill goes into photography. You have to understand light, how it works, how it affects your subject and how it hits your lens. Read more>>

Adrienne Thatcher

One of the biggest misunderstandings about my business is that it’s just about moving furniture or placing crystals—but it goes so much deeper than that. I practice Classical Feng Shui, which involves compass readings, time-tested formulas, and personalized energy maps based on the individual and the home. It’s more strategic than people realize—like energetic architecture—and it’s tailored for real transformation, not just aesthetics. Read more>>

Lyris Lyris

This is such a great question! I think what so many people secretly struggle with, but rarely say out loud, is the fear that their dreams aren’t possible and how hard it feels to stay consistent and inspired when trying to change those beliefs or habits. Read more>>

Kala Evans

In my opinion, most people are carrying something their nervous system is barely holding together, but you’ll never hear them say it out loud. Some are drowning in anxiety and sleepless nights, living on autopilot and emotionally reacting instead of mentally responding, to get through the day. Read more>>

Mutha Earth

People are being too afraid to just be themselves, listening to outside people’s judgement. You can’t find your purpose in fear. You have to stand in what you believe in, There is power in living in your truth. The moment you decide that you are enough your purpose starts. Read more>>

Devin Tanksley

Being authentic and real with themselves. From what I see just from interacting with people and talking to literally almost everyone, I think people who are in pursuit of their dreams, careers, etc. lose sight of their sense of self in the process; then we deny what we truly want out of life versus what we think we want or need to do to survive. Read more>>

Paris Monet

Hello, thank you so much for having me. Personally, I believe many people are silently struggling with self-identity and self-love. In a world that constantly tells us who to be, how to look, and what success should feel like, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are. So many are walking around with smiles while battling deep feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and doubt. Read more>>

Dr. Jessica Dorsey

I also carried the wound of people-pleasing, born from a need for acceptance, which left me vulnerable to manipulation and burnout. Those wounds didn’t just scar me, they shaped how I saw myself, how I loved, and how I allowed others to treat me.  Read more>>

Luna Branch

I think the most misunderstood part of my legacy will be the spiritual work itself. People often demonize what they don’t understand, especially when it doesn’t fit into their worldview. But long before there were doctors or psychologists, there were rootworkers, shamans, midwives, and spiritual healers. My role in the community is ancient—it’s ancestral. We’ve always existed, and we always will. Read more>>

Dr. Tavis Taylor

I think people will most misunderstand the weight beneath the work. They’ll see the bots, the branding, the billion-dollar vision but they may miss the bleeding. They’ll see automation and AI… but won’t realize it was intercession that built it first. They’ll call it strategy and overlook the surrender it took to obey God when nothing made sense. Read more>>