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.
Ivan Reyes
My journey with technology began early—at age 15, I got my first computer, an Atari 800XL, and taught myself programming by typing code from magazines like Antic and Analogue. When the code had bugs that made games unplayable, I’d spend hours debugging to figure out what was wrong, which became my first real lesson in problem-solving with technology. Growing up in San Francisco during the early days of personal computing, I was fortunate to experience each wave of new technology as it emerged, from the Atari 2600 to the Commodore 64 to the original Macintosh. Read more>>
Austin Ruggles
What my grandad might not have realized then was that he had planted a seed, one that finally sprouted in my very early 20s when I took a job over a home depot garden center in San Antonio Texas. There was where the personal interest and self study really started, what keeps us from growing firs down there, what keeps Colorado from growing agave, how does pelletized fertilizer act upon the soil, how does soil components and ph affect nutrient uptake from the plants? I was off to the races, taking in every book and article I could scrounge up. Read more>>
Matthew Quinn
For awhile most of my publications were short fiction, often through the Canadian publisher Digital Fiction Publishing’s anthologies. However, in 2014 fellow Atlanta writer James R. Tuck offered to help me put together what would become the short story collection FLASHING STEEL, FLASHING FIRE. In 2017, Digital Fiction Publishing’s horror imprint Digital Horror Fiction published my Georgia-set Lovecraftian first novel THE THING IN THE WOODS. My next publication was the horror-crime-farce novella “Little People, Big Guns” via Portland’s Deadite Press in 2019, followed soon afterward by my independent steampunk military fantasy BATTLE FOR THE WASTELANDS. Read more>>
DaRemen J.
It was short lived because of the cost of living & being overwhelmed by work i had to make another decision to withdraw, but continue to practice shooting & writing & choosing to do so has lead me to some pretty dope opportunities like starting DreamStudios with the homie Terry Suave, writing & directing a heap of music videos & short films, being the lead shooter of multiple Puma campaigns, creative directed for some of my favorite artists, & had work shown in a handful of art galleries & museums. Currently showing an exhibition entitled ‘the longest way home’ @ the mint museum in charlotte nc till early September. Read more>>
Lillah Bezara
Lillah Bezara has always been drawn to storytelling and the quiet magic behind the scenes. Originally from Venezuela, she came to the U.S. to pursue a career in entertainment, earning a degree in Television and Film from the University of Houston. Her path has taken many turns—some expected, others surprising—but always with purpose. Read more>>
Durrell Lyons
I studied engineering in school, and was a software engineer for almost 10 years before me and Corporate America went through a bad break up. I began cheating on her with artist life, and eventually never went back. I got tired of running out of PTO to go film, and then eventually having to lie. I remember I told my company I had to go back to Texas for a Black Lives Matter rally, I was actually 5 blocks away on a film set, texting with my niece about it in my trailer. I sent my family pictures directly because I didn’t want to post any pics to social media, my bosses followed me at the time. I think they still do. Read more>>
Laura Leigh Funk
Though I was awarded scholarships for oboe performance, I veered off the expected path, moving to Orlando to work for a famous mouse named Mickey. That adventurous detour led to nearly two decades immersed in the performing arts—working for the Walt Disney Company, collaborating on artistic projects, singing at open mics, performing in jazz concerts and orchestras, and acting in theaters across every city I’ve called home. Read more>>
Jess Patton
In my down time, at the office, I was researching a plan to hit the road. I wanted to see the Tetons, Yellowstone, Glacier, ALL OF IT! After reaching my limit, I handed over my resignation and prepared myself for the roadtrip. My parents thought I had lost my mind. I was not the party animal/wild child. I went to community college and my idea of a crazy adventure was going to the craft store without a list or going for a hike alone. In my gut I knew if I didn’t make a change that I would play it safe for the rest of my life. I had broke my own chain. Read more>>
Makeda Minott
Then, during a simple and non-invasive neurothermal scan delivered by a pediatric chiropractor, everything changed. For the first time, I had irrefutable evidence that something wasn’t right. My daughter’s nervous system desperately needed help. In a way it was a relief to know my suspicions weren’t just paranoia. That moment changed my life. it lit a fire inside me to know more about the nervous system and to learn how I could help my family and my community with chiropractic care. Read more>>
Elaine Gattis
I also wanted something that didn’t require mixing or making – just sipping. I wanted a ready-to-drink mocktail, that fosters health and wellness. As a Christian and ordained minister, I wanted something that I could be proud of – a product that would promote positivity and well-being and with infusions of adaptogens and antioxidants such as reishi mushroom extract and chai to provide a wide range of health benefits. Our Liqueurish mocktails do exactly that. Read more>>
Cate Powell
Yoga is one of the foundations of our business. The concept is to come for the amazing yoga teachers, the highly experience massage therapists, and the contrast therapy of the sauna/cold plunge and stay for the alone time in the lounge or build community with us. This space is dynamic and community oriented. We have gotten such an outpouring of support and positive energy from our first clients and members that we know we are in the right place at the right time. I know that I have been guided towards this ever since college. We are building this business brick by brick with a mixture of that guidance from forces beyond me, the hard work, and the community of support that we have. Read more>>
Melinda Lee Schmitt
8 years after I completed my year of hugs, I embarked on another hug adventure, this time bringing my hugs cross-country, staying overnight with the people I was hugging. I navigated unwelcome advances, dinner conversations with people whose political beliefs opposed mine, and most importantly, witnessed support and love in relationships that I’d never encountered in my own. Desperate to find the support, love, and happiness I witnessed on that hug journey, I left my marriage and pursued the greatest relationship of all. The one with myself. Read more>>
Amy Caldarera
As a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom of four, building a business hasn’t always been my top priority—and I’m okay with that. I recognize that this season of life is both precious and fleeting, and I’m committed to keeping my priorities aligned. That said, as my children grow more independent, I’m excited about the opportunity to dedicate more time and energy to expanding my business and bringing healthier, more intentional products to a wider audience. Read more>>
Kathy Tabe-Ebob
I started baking with my mom when I was a kid—it was our little bonding activity. Back then, I only baked a few times a year, usually for close family members’ birthdays. But over the years, I noticed my skills improving quickly. I owe a lot of that growth to a personal tradition I started: making a custom birthday cake for my younger sister every year. She’s always challenged me with new and creative requests, and through those challenges, I’ve not only had a lot of fun but also grown so much as a baker. Read more>>
Tashinea
Despite repeated struggles with the MCAT, I kept pushing forward, earned a master’s in biomedical science, and was accepted to several medical schools. I chose to stay at the Georgia campus of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (GA-PCOM). After excelling in medical school, I completed my three years of training at Northside Gwinnett Hospital and was honored to become chief resident of the program by my final year. I went on to finish my board exams and dedicated six years to Piedmont Healthcare. Now, I am opening my own clinic, The Healthy Woman, in Newnan, Georgia—fulfilling a dream born from years of determination and hard work. Read more>>
Tanisha Echols
Absolutely not—it’s been anything but a smooth road. Entrepreneurship rarely is, especially when you’re a single mom building a brand from the ground up. There were times I seriously doubted myself—times when I felt like giving up. Trying to balance motherhood, build a business with limited resources, and still show up every day with excellence was exhausting. I was doing it all: designing, promoting, budgeting, and parenting. It felt like too much. Read more>>
Ling-Ling Nie
Part of my recovery was learning how to take better care of body and mind so that my ambitions could be more sustainable, and part of that involved building a joyful morning routine that would help me start my day feeling great. I began using under eye patches, ice rollers, and sheet masks because they felt so good on my skin, which then inspired me to find a way to extend that cooling sensation throughout the day. That is how Tender Cosmetics was born. Read more>>
Sarra Sedghi
I’m neurodivergent and I think a lot of people in this industry aren’t exactly comfortable with easily excited people who think differently. I constantly feel pressured to “be less,” and it upsets me because my brain is a strength as well as a weakness. There are parts of my ADHD, especially my heightened emotional sensitivity, that make me a better writer and reporter. It all depends on how you look at it. So I’m always trying to flip those more negative viewpoints. Read more>>
Victoria Samedy
I played volleyball for 10 years, following in the footsteps of my amazing older sister. But when I got to college, after two seasons, I realized that dream wasn’t actually mine it was hers. That was hard to admit. But in 2021, something in me shifted. I randomly told my parents, “I want to buy a camera and record basketball.” I had no experience, no plan just a feeling. And thankfully, my parents supported me. We made it happen, and in November 2021, I bought my first camera a Sony a6400. I named her GG. Read more>>
Rasika Ashwin
I’m Rasika Ashwin originally from India and currently residing in Atlanta GA with my husband & newborn baby boy. I love being around nature & dream of creating an unban jungle in my sunroom. I’m a freelance artist passionately working on picture books, surface pattern designs and love being an art educator to little human beings. I do also love taking up mural projects under my brand CocoRosha. Read more>>
Kimberly Parks
I started as a young woman who gave everything to love and family—until a painful divorce shook my world. I found myself in a dark place, fighting silent battles with depression while trying to be strong for my children. There were nights I cried quietly and mornings I had to pull myself together just to make it through the day. But even in the struggle, I knew my story wasn’t over. Read more>>
Nate Tucker
The Green Eyes Festival is a folklore festival dedicated to keeping alive the stories of cryptids, ghosts, and other creepy oddities of the region. Our first festival was in 2024 in downtown Chickamauga and focused around the local legend of Ole’ Green Eyes. The festival was a huge hit with nearly 5,000 attendees, great local vendors, and lots of fun! We are very excited for it to return to Chickamauga on October 18, 2025! Read more>>
Alan Caomin Xie
Alan Caomin Xie explores themes of emotional disconnection, solitude, and spiritual awakening through a diverse range of artistic styles. Deeply influenced by Buddhist philosophy, his work examines the complexities of contemporary existence, bridging cultural divides and offering a poignant narrative on the human condition. His art transcends traditional boundaries, resonating with audiences worldwide. Read more>>
Jai Mask
Well it started by being in church with my grandmother but at the age of 7 i started rapping but including i was in a break dance group but from that point i took rapping seriously I had agents and managers early to help guide me with my music career but in the early 1990’s I got in a group called get to super stars and that where i seen more of the business side of things cause we were in a studio that was to me a way to get heard and a recording deal but thing turned and i had to go solo Read more>>
Shannon Balenciaga
The vision for ANNAGA Luxury Skincare was born out of necessity and passion. As someone who’s always been immersed in performance and public-facing spaces, taking care of my skin was non-negotiable. But I quickly realized that many luxury skincare products either weren’t inclusive, weren’t effective, or weren’t honest. So, I created ANNAGA: a high-performance skincare line that blends science with soul. Every formula is intentional, cruelty-free, and designed to help people see their skin not as a flaw to fix but as something sacred to nourish. Read more>>
Tammy Duncan
Years later, after settling in Atlanta and starting a family of my own, I found myself returning to those recipes. I missed that connection to something slower, something more intentional. I started making pasta at home, at first just for us, then for friends, and eventually, I took a chance and brought it to a farmers market. That one market turned into a full season, and before I knew it, there were lines of people coming back for that same feeling: joy, comfort, ease. Read more>>
Micah Satterfield
Right when I graduated high school I started an assisting position at J Hornor Salon (previously J Green Salon) in Gainesville where I later ended up beginning my apprenticeship! A few months into my apprenticeship I left J Hornor to begin working at The Peach Salon (also in Gainesville). This was where I learned that I wanted to be a salon owner and met my forever bestie, Amber! Together we created Manes Hair Co and are having the best time!! Read more>>
Branden Chambliss
Branden Chambliss Matrix entertainer of kovi entertainment universe 29 years old from atlanta georgia. been dancing for 15 years started with gymnastics which also led to martial arts 5years later I felling love with dancing watching inspirations like Micheal jackson chris brown B5 poppin john neguin etc.ive danced for several establishments such asAtlanta braves Atlanta falcons featured on Kai cent stream competed in many competitions and druski should been record tour.My original style is breaking,but i Also do other styles such as popping tricking capoeria. Read more>>
Lisa Engberg
Unlike most Atlantans, I have been an Atlanta resident for 90% of my life with the vast majority of it spent in Lawrenceville, GA. I started my career in Consumer Products working in sales and marketing. I quickly advanced in my career and would jump on a plane every Monday morning only to return back home Friday. As my husband and I started talking about our future, it became clear that this career path wouldn’t be ideal with kids. Read more>>
Laura Marie
Now based in Atlanta—affectionately known as “HOTlanta”—Laura has spent over a decade thriving in the fast-paced world of transportation, logistics, and global sales. With a résumé that includes powerhouse brands like Tesla, Porsche North America, DAHER Aerospace, and DB Schenker, she has developed a sharp business acumen and a results-driven approach that continues to fuel her success. Read more>>
Ace
Music saved me from the chaos of my childhood, and it continues to save me from the chaos of the world. It’s my anchor, my solace, and my best friend. And I’ll keep making music, not for the fame or the fortune, but because it’s my passion, my purpose, and my everything. & I’m happy to be known as the best producer in ATL Read more>>
Kierrica Davis
I came to Atlanta Georgia to have a better start in life. My goal was to become a model. I always wanted to be a model and meet new loving energy and good people who had something going for themselves as well. I can because I have been waiting for change and I have been praying for change ready to start my career. I refuse to give up on myself. Read more>>
Mario Del Cubo
That passion eventually led me to New York, where I trained at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. It was a transformative time; intense, inspiring, and full of beautiful chaos. I was exposed to a wide range of techniques and creative philosophies, but just as importantly, I was surrounded by people who pushed me to grow, not just as a performer, but as a human being. I learned that acting isn’t about pretending; it’s about presence, honesty, and making space for something real to happen. Read more>>
SOLO
I don’t know how I really got here because it wasn’t the plan. I started as a college student at Clark Atlanta University, majoring in Political Science and Biology, with aspirations of becoming an attorney. My athletic talents in basketball, track, and football didn’t pan out on the collegiate level like I hoped. I had a scholarship that covered most of my expenses, but due to a lack of campus housing, I had to find a place off campus, which meant I needed a job. Read more>>
Beth Dryden
I’ve been making leather goods for over 14 years now. Each piece is distinctively designed by me and carefully crafted currently with no machines or major leather working tools. Just my two hands. What began as a quiet creative outlet slowly grew into a full-time business. I started selling online, moved into wholesale, did a few rebrands, and kept refining the work until I knew exactly what I wanted to build: heirloom-level pieces… ones that last forever with soul, story, and texture…solely using vegetable-tanned leather with sustainability and ethos in mind. Read more>>
Jae Cawley
My journey started like many others graduating college with multiple degrees, a mountain of student debt, and no job offers. After applying to over a thousand positions and enduring 12 interviews, I found myself stuck, overqualified on paper but overlooked in reality. Determined to pivot, I left everything behind and moved to Atlanta on pure faith, only to face financial hardship and return home nearly broke. Read more>>
Skylan Lawson
Now, when I first moved to New York, I was supposed to go to school but due to conflict I was not able to go, but you know they say that New York if it’s not meant for you, it will kick you out. Let me tell you something New York has been like the best older sister that any girl has ever had. I have grown so much as a person as a woman and even as an individual. As well as made so many connections.. me being able to travel back-and-forth to Georgia and New York with something that I’m so fortunate to do and now today I make money by working as an assistant campaign manager for a major theater company in Times Square, and I’m able to make money off of my personality alone! Read more>>
Will Bagrou
Unfortunately my professional career was short lived due to a career ending injury. But that’s what led me to what I do today, which is use my expertise and experience to train the next generation of soccer players. Me and my close friend Dakota, created B.C. Training to combine players athletic ability with their technical ability through our trainings. Also, I’m in the tech industry so working a 9-5 and having a business brings its own challenges. Lastly, I’m currently enrolled at Georgia Tech and pursuing my MBA. Read more>>
Nichole Harmon – Pointdujour
Our mission is to bridge the gap between corporate executives, industry leaders, and successful business owners through high-impact events that regularly draw over 200 attendees focused on growing both their networks and their net worth. I’m also the author of The Master Connector: The Ultimate Guide to Building Impactful Connections for Life and Business Success, a guidebook for anyone looking to build meaningful and lasting relationships. Read more>>
Jalen Jones
I got on an app called clubhouse and grew a audience that consisted of all the top black comedians on the app believe it or not with the help of my two friends Casey and Dre we created a group called 1st shift that took the clubhouse app by storm. Also at that time I moved from my hometown of Indianapolis to Atlanta Georgia and that’s where I got my real shot at comedy again. Unlike most comedians I had a lot of pressure because I had big shoes to fill based off my peers that I met along the way that were already established comedians and some big names in the game. Fast forward to now I would honestly say I have been consistent since 2020 and I have done 100s of shows even started hosting along the way to add to my skill set as a comedian which I enjoy to do as well. Read more>>
DJ Solo
In college we had this thing called chapel every Wednesday and on the first one of that year I noticed no one was playing music in the cafeteria on Wednesday so I grabbed a big speaker and placed it in the cafeteria and started playing music every Wednesday that led to everyone suggesting you should try djing Read more>>
Audrey Hall
Studio Hall is based in Candler Park and specializes in residential design. The goal of my firm is to craft timeless, thoughtful interiors that honor the past while embracing the realities of life (ex. shoes, paws, cords, etc!). My approach artfully blends form and function to transform spaces into refined, livable sanctuaries—where every detail serves a purpose, even if just to delight. I aim to be approachable for those using a designer for the first time, serving clients at all project sizes, scopes, and budgets. Whether you’re doing a gut renovation or hanging a gallery wall, I’m here to help! Read more>>
Kennody De Oliveira
I’ve got to give a huge shoutout to my graphic design teacher, Coach Carthers, he taught me most of what I know about graphic design. Without him, I wouldn’t be able to do any of the things I do today for my businesses. That class was definitely an important moment in my journey; it gave me purpose. With that purpose, I was able to dive deeper into my other interests, like traditional art, film photography, and fashion design. All of these skills I learned during that time have played a huge role in creating my brand, COZY CLLCTVE. Read more>>
