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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.

Trisha Owen

I have been an actress for 7 years working with my incredible team at Houghton Talent agency in Atlanta. I am on camera for a lot of principal roles in commercials and industrials while also booking supporting roles in movies. Read more>>

LaToya Branch

Toya: I used to be afraid of stepping into the spotlight, showing myself to others while promoting the business. I always preferred being behind the scenes. But this journey has pushed me to come out of my introverted shell and take that leap. It’s my inner strength that keeps me moving forward, encouraging me to do more and be more visible. Read more>>

Amier

Honestly, I understand that success is a mindset. I’ve been blessed that even when I had nothing, GOD allowed me to enter rooms, BIG ROOMS, be seen, be validated and that began to heal me. Read more>>

Valeria Sanchez

I deeply understand that all humanity is connected — that we are all one. Most people are limited by what they perceive in the third dimension, but I try to remind myself that there’s so much more beyond what the eyes can see. Read more>>

Tonya Baynes

How could I do anything but my best? It doesn’t matter if I’m praised for it or not. As long as I know I did my best nothing anyone has to say matters. I don’t do my best to get praise. I do my best for me. I give myself praise for a job well done. Read more>>

Karo Duro

I think because of the way society has been structured, along with other factors like familial upbringing and especially social media’s ability to grant us instant praise in the form of a like, we have become so wired to crave praise and recognition. My partner always says ‘Live by the cheers and die by the boos,’ and that has stuck with me for years. Read more>>

Sherida Lovelace

Absolutely! I can recall winning pageants for several years in a row, ending my pageant streak with competing for Miss Black USA. I was so used to winning, but this time it was a loss, even though I was a top finalist. Read more>>

FlickupKhaf

I think especially in media/tech you’ll see changes in what’s popular daily. Between actual content, the physical gear, what’s funny, how we consume it, etc. So for me to differentiate a fad from foundation is functionality/purpose. At times it can seem like something is “hot” but when we observe its usage and it’s really not that useful, I know it’s a fad. Read more>>

William Blount

If I had imortality resources, I would focus on investing in and redeveloping underserved cities, starting with Georgia. I believe in working with residents to meet their specific needs, countering the current trend of development that often overlooks community well-being. I’m eager to connect with like-minded individuals who share this vision. Read more>>

Brooke Stone

If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop overextending myself on things that don’t actually matter. I’d stop saying ‘yes’ out of obligation, stop overthinking how my work is perceived, and stop comparing my journey to someone else’s. Read more>>

Violette Meier

Working for people and on projects I’m not passionate about. Read more>>

Christina C

Working 😂 My dream has always been to travel the world for at least 1 full year, and I am figuring out how I can make that happen. I would be so excited to document the whole journey and create content about my life. Read more>>

Nadia Galloway

If I laid everything down — the titles, the roles, the companies, the recognition — what would remain is love, faith, and legacy. The love I poured into my children, my community, and every person my inventions have touched. The faith that carried me through seasons of uncertainty and helped me build when there was no blueprint. Read more>>

Cameia

A woman who is flawed but loving, caring about many things. A woman who helps where she can, who listens well and loves a good conversation. A woman who is creative, silly, and delightfully random. A woman who enjoys long walks that let her mind wander. A woman who cherishes her friends, her family—and her fur family too. Read more>>

Monet Wright

My integrity. How I show up in the world for myself and people in general. The love I have for my family and friends, and the love they have for me. Everything I have learned and experienced. All the hard work, resilience, silent battles, silent wins, achievements, losses, travel, and loneliness have made me who I am. All the important stuff will remain. Read more>>

Holly Doughty

The world and Social media is moving to fast for any business owner to stop. I am always chasing for more business and keeping my photography business strong and growing. If you stop promoting your self and your business then you will stop growing. Its important to always keep yourself relevant and posting on social media and meeting new places and people. Read more>>

Jaeson

Right now, I’m chasing greatness within myself. Not in competition with anyone but myself.The kind of greatness you’re proud of yourself for every day. I believe that this really stems from consistency, discipline, and continually pushing past my limits, even on my worst days. It’s not about becoming famous or getting publicly awarded with big accolades but being better than I was the day before. Read more>>

Gabriel Dean

I’m chasing a dream of becoming a WWE superstar and if I was to stop I would keep pursuing Acting Read more>>

Awona Love

HE is in the CTR Inc. wealth may not show its flourishing until 7-10 years from now which is perfectly ok. This company is truly built off of love creating a resourceful lifestyle for our children and grandchildren. Being single parents having similar experiences truly knowing what its like to receive a helping hand. Read more>>

Shantravia Jackson-Turner

Lies/Untrustworthiness Breaks the Bonds and LOYALTY restores them. Read more>>

Bria Knight

The business of being a makeup artist is often misunderstood as simply playing in makeup, but it involves much more. There is a deep psychology behind servicing individuals, often strangers, and providing an experience that leaves clients feeling satisfied and eager to return. A makeup artist must quickly read and understand their client, sometimes within seconds, and translate their vision into a tangible, beautiful result. Read more>>

David Scruggs

Great question and one that’s rarely asked about our core genre, boudoir photography, because the assumptions about it are so well-established. Photography shoppers who contact us often say they’re looking for ‘sexy photos’ of themselves, generally for a new partner or a milestone like a wedding anniversary or an important birthday. That’s their ‘why’, as far as they’re aware. Read more>>

Maria Baz

Who we are. BBP Enterprise is your go-to destination for premium production and event solutions, specializing in film location rentals, luxury transportation, and versatile event spaces. Read more>>

Billy Clifton-Strawn

I think the thing most people misunderstand about my business is my art itself, how it’s made and how it’s shown. When I tell people I create digital media that can be displayed on screens, printed as archival prints, or turned into large tapestries, I usually get a puzzled look. Read more>>

Simone Adams

Most people assume I spend my days leading groups into the woods or guiding hikes. The truth? I’m an introvert—that would send my anxiety through the roof. Color My Outdoors isn’t a group-outing organization; it’s a movement that works behind the scenes to support the folks who do lead those groups. We operate more like a business-to-business model. Read more>>

Jessica Armstrong

The notion that wedding invitations or stationery are not an important part of the wedding is definitely a common misconception about my business. A printed invitation is in fact one of the few items from your wedding that guests will keep, hang on the fridge, post on the bulletin board for weeks and weeks before the wedding. Read more>>

Eddie Gilman

I believe most people secretly struggle with understanding the meaning and purpose of their lives. I think that symptomizes as not feeling good enough, unworthy, and directionless in life. Due to the extreme pressure and constant bombardment of information and mental stimulation, we either feel pressured into being a certain way, or adopt certain values, or are distracted altogether. Read more>>

Paron Payne

That I attempted any of this for money. Read more>>

LaSha’ Rockymore-Mitchell

People may see the events, the creative projects, or the brand growth and think it all came from ambition—but my legacy isn’t about success, it’s about service. Everything I’ve built through The SmArt Oasis and the Music, Fashion & Arts Foundation was born from a place of healing and heart. Read more>>

Brandon Holland

People might assume that because I stay quiet and keep to myself, I’m not as active or present in the industry—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. I keep my head down and focus on the work. I’m intentional about where I put my time and energy, and I avoid conversations or events that don’t add real value to my business or my brand. Read more>>

William Downs

Most Days I wake up at 5:00am to start with a cup of coffee then I surf youtube then Instagram by the time 8:45am rolls around I am ready to tackle the day! Read more>>

Henry H Washington

Waking up and thanking God for allowing my feet to hit the floor, stretching, doing Tai Chi and meditation. Read more>>

Hannah JH Bang

Most days begin quietly — I check emails, plan studio work, and organize things for IN3SECONDS, the company I started. It’s a project that documents artists and friends through short interviews and portraits, capturing the kind of connection that can happen in just three seconds. Read more>>

Valentina Ned’Jean

A normal day for me starts around 5 or 6 am! I’m an early bird to take on nursing my now 15 month old and cooking breakfast. The morning is the most important because I check my emails, catch up on a little work and by brunch hour my morning AM stretch of walking my son works up and appetite for lunch. Read more>>

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