We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Maria Lemoine | Professional Makeup Artist & Owner of Lemoinelooks

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is a combination of consistency, unwavering self-belief, and the incredible support I’ve received along the way. Consistency has been my foundation, and self-belief has been my driving force pushing me to trust my vision and persevere through challenges. At the same time, I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my clients, family, friends, and collaborators who have believed in me and my artistry. This mix of self-determination and external encouragement has been key to building a brand I’m proud of. Read more>>

Shaela Jonsen Freeman | Verstaile Hairstylist

The most important factor behind the success of Hair By Juicey LLC as a versatile hairstylist specializing in high hair care and a range of different services likely lies in my consistency, authenticity, and commitment to continuously improving my craft. Consistency helps build trust with my clients, ensuring they know they can rely on me for high-quality service every time. Read more>>

Charnetta Williams | Mom, Physician & Children’s Book Author

The most important lesson my career has taught me is that the journey rarely unfolds exactly as you envision—but if you trust yourself, you’ll realize you’ve been moving in the right direction all along. Fulfilling my lifelong dream of becoming a physician was a tremendous accomplishment, and for many years, I found deep fulfillment as a full-time ObGyn. However, life had more in store for me than I initially imagined. Transitioning from clinical medicine to public health, then dividing my time between both, and later adding motherhood and writing children’s books to the mix, taught me the power of pivoting with humility and grace. Read more>>

Sernesha Burston | INFLUENTIAL INFLUENCER&AUTHOR

The most important factor behind my success would be to leave the legacy of being authentic. Uplifting others to embrace themselves, to love themselves, and be true to who they are. Not letting the world change them no matter how many challenges they go through! My motto is that “It’s not about what you go through but what you do after the trauma that’ll determine your FUTURE! ~Sernesha Burston Read more>>

Brittney Moncrief | Beauty,Lifestyle, Mom

One word GOD. Without him, none of this would be possible.

Also, I would have to say community. I started to take influencing and content creation seriously four months ago. On my journey, I found there was a desire for genuine and authenticity. Read more>>

Anna Shull | Social Worker & Content Creator / Influencer

The most important factor behind my success as a social worker is my strengths-based approach. I have seen first-hand not only how people’s environments impact them, but also how empowered individuals can bring positive change to their communities. It would be easier to put quick band-aids on problems people face when they come to me, but it is much more effective to sit with people and work to understand where they have come from, where they are, and where they would like to be. By focusing on and amplifying the strengths individuals already possess, it is even more rewarding to witness all they go on to accomplish. Read more>>

Rothstein Beatz | GRAMMY Voting Member & Music Producer

The most important factor behind my success as Rothstein Beatz is consistency, without a doubt. I’ve learned that showing up daily, developing my sound, and dropping unique beats are key to staying relevant in the music industry. It’s not just about making fire tracks — it’s about building relationships, networking, and maintaining integrity in everything you do. Read more>>

Dr. Tracy Powell | Executive Coach, Speaker, Author

The most important factor behind the success of Dr. Tracy Powell and her brand, Leading with Compassion, lies in her unwavering commitment to compassionate leadership and inclusivity. Dr. Tracy’s brand is built on the belief that true leadership transcends titles—it is about making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and organizations. Read more>>

Olivia Haney | Licensed Cosmetologist

The most important factor behind my success has been my drive and putting God first in everything I do. Every decision I make is rooted in prayer and faith—I trust that God is guiding me toward the right path. But it’s also about self-motivation. If you don’t truly want success for yourself, it’s not going to happen. There were days when I had no clients, no orders, and nothing seemed to be moving forward. Times where 2 plus 2 was not equalling 4. It was tough, but I kept reminding myself: if I quit now, I’ll never know what could’ve been if I just kept pushing. That mindset is what kept me going—and eventually, things started to turn around. Your drive and belief in yourself are what make the difference. Don’t give up on your dreams. Read more>>

Lawain Howell | Stock Trader, Model & Soccer Player

Staying consistent and maintaining a positive mental state are two of the most important factors behind my success, both personally and in my businesses. This is especially true for my stock trading businesses and ventures, where consistency in my approach is crucial. Equally important is protecting my mental health, as trading requires clear focus and mental resilience. When it comes to something as high-stakes as trading, having the right headspace is essential to making informed decisions and staying on track. Read more>>

Tony Passanante | Mind Busting Escape Rooms and Customized Reach Marketing

The most important factor behind my success is failure. I’ve experienced countless failures throughout my life, and I’ve faced numerous opportunities to give up. However, what I’ve learned is that failure is one of the most valuable teachers—it’s often more impactful than any formal education. Each failure has taught me lessons that have shaped my resilience, sharpened my skills, and ultimately fueled my growth. Read more>>

Sydnee Walker

The most important factor behind the success of @sydatleats is my genuine passion for supporting and showcasing the Atlanta food scene. Read more>>

Aylin Marsella

The most important factor behind my success as an artist/ creative is never giving up– as cliche as that sounds. Oftentimes, creatives begin a project or perhaps a creative endeavor with tons of motivation and inspiration. However, when it comes to adopting a mindset and lifestyle of discipline and consistency, this is when many creatives lose the spark for their project. Though it can be difficult to find the willpower to continue to follow your dreams without immediate reward, it is imperative in order to achieve success and manifest career opportunities in your field. Read more>>