We asked some of the city’s most brilliant and creative minds to tell us about the most difficult decision they’ve had to make.

Whitney Downs | Occasion Planner and Designer

In my career, as it has evolved, the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make would still be whether or not and when to leave my salaried job to pursue my dream full time. I started my company on the heels of having my second child and working full time for a company that is in the events industry, and to say I was over worked and stressed is an understatement. I realized that I couldn’t do everything for much longer, and after some hard discussions and budgeting, I made the leap to quit the safety of my ‘job’ to work on Whitewood Events full time. This allowed me the ability to be a more present Mother as well as Planner to my clients, which by that point my clientele had grown to a point where I felt a little more at ease moving forward. Since then, I’ve spoken with many other creative entrepreneurs who have or are going through the same thing. It’s a different answer for everyone, but it certainly is an amazing feeling to have your ‘side hustle’ turn into your chosen career. Read more>>

Mariana Gomez | Mexican Actress & Producer

When I graduated from High School, I had to decide wheater I would stay in Querétaro, México and be with my family and keep my relationship, or leave my country and move to Atlanta, Georgia, where I would pursue my dream in Film & Television. It was the most difficult decision of my life because I had to decide between my relationships and my own future. I found myself in a place I believed no one else would ever be, however, the more I meet people and the more I grow, the more I find troubled individuals who are experiencing the exact same thing. My only advice is: no one will ever take the memories you have, but the future you will build starts with the decisions you make. Every decision, make sure is the one which makes you feel warm inside. It’s scary! We’re all scared, the difference stands in taking a risk scared, instead of not taking a risk at all. A risk is a risk, but I assure you, you will be closer to your dream than you were if you don’t take it. Put yourself first! Always. Read more>>

Vanessa Henderson | Designer, Writer, Editor, Producer

That would be September 2001, making the decision to move to Atlanta. Packing all that I could put in my car and driving away from my family and friends with whom I had spent most of my life. But, I had to save myself and go after my dream. Please understand that my life wasn’t in a bad place. Having the courage to leave cost me a lot. Read more>>

Vincent Howard | Actor & Film/Photography Director

The most difficult decision I’ve had to make would have to be to quit 9-5 and go into business myself. Read more>>

Najah Williams | Owner of Pure Fanatics, Natural Bath & Body Products

I would have to say the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make business wise was the decision to stay 100% self employed after being let go from my full time job back in 2018. Of course I panicked for the first 2 months like any normal person would. I updated my resume, started forwarding it to all of my friends & family that were in positions to pass it along. Started filling out every online application I could find & even got a few call backs for interviews. After much thought & prayer I turned it all down & made the decision to commit to my brand. Read more>>