We asked some of the city’s brightest entrepreneurs to tell us the story of how they started their business. We asked them to tell us about their first steps, how they got their first few clients and how they turned their idea into reality.

Martin Hill

**Hello, I’m Martin Hill.** By day, I’m a results-driven IT professional; by night, a passionate swim enthusiast. My journey began as a Junior Lifeguard at 14 and evolved into the creation of **SwimBosss** during the COVID pandemic. Read More>>

Melissa Williams

Hello, my name is Melissa Williams and I have been taking photos since I could hold a camera as a child! My passion is for fashion, architecture and the outdoors. Read More>>

Mia L. Mcdonald

I’m excited to reconnect and share how my journey has evolved! During my first interview, I was balancing multiple roles—serving as a Communications Specialist for the Clayton County Board of Commissioners by day, the Director of Talent Development for Acting Up LLC by night, and the Service Committee Chairwoman for the Tri-Cities High School Alumni Association. Read More>>

Micah Baisden

I’m Micah Baisden, 33 years old from Albany, Ga. I’m the owner and lead personal trainer of PowerHouse Sports Academy located in Tucker, Georgia. What sets me apart in my industry is my knowledge of my craft. Read More>>

Michelle Pascal

Thank you so much for having me back—I’m thrilled to reconnect and share how the past few years have been!

For those who might not have read my prior interview, my name is Michelle A. Pascal, a seasoned PR and Event Management professional and the owner of M.A.P. Unlimited Inc. Read More>>

Milk + Sizz Hornsby

We’re MILK + SIZZ, partners in life and creativity, and the founders of DRFT Farm. While many know us for our careers as Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning music creatives, DRFT Farm is a continuation of our artistic journey. Our creative spirit, nurtured through years of production, songwriting, and live music curation, now finds expression in cultivating a space where sustainability, connection, and creativity thrive. Read More>>

Molly Bailey

It’s a pleasure to be reconnecting with Voyage’s content partners! I’m Molly, a local artist and graphic designer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). My journey into design has been shaped by a deep passion for creativity and communication—two elements that, when combined, have the power to inspire, educate, and create lasting impact.
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Najirah Marshall

My name is Najirah Marshall aka Trendy Naj and I’m a fashion photographer based in NYC. As an East Coast photographer my work is deeply influenced by the raw and vibrant culture of urban environments. I strive to capture the intersection of fashion and attitude, creating a bold and edgy aesthetic that tells compelling stories of individuality and self expression. Read More>>

Natalie Milhouse

My name is Natalie Milhouse, and I’m the founder and creator of Divine Enthusiast, a platform dedicated to amplifying creative women of color through meaningful support and storytelling. What sets me apart is my commitment to embodiment. Read More>>

Oghenetejiri Ogodo

My name is Oghenetejiri Ogodo, a model, medical biochemist, fashion designer and a sustainability advocate. I am the proud founder of Freedom Haute Humanitarian Foundation and La Tejcreations, a sustainable fashion brand deeply rooted in telling African stories through community, impact and fashion while promoting circular economy. Read More>>

Pam Brand

We’re Pam and Sara Brand, food bloggers at Biscuits and Burlap. We focus on southern food but do sometimes venture outside that cuisine. Very often you’ll find us preserving old southern foodways, but we like to add a new updated twist to the longstanding recipes too. Read More>>

Paris Pierce

I am a highly skilled makeup artist, educator, and creative professional based in Houston, Texas, with six years of experience in the beauty industry. My passion lies in artistry, precision, and enhancing natural beauty. Read More>>

Pierre Crawford

My name is Pierre Crawford. born in Birmingham, Alabama to a great mother. When I first did my first interview with Shoutout I was a videographer specializing in music videos operating out of a small photography studio I operated with my close friends Sunny Nguyen, Hung Pham, and Brian Pham. Read More>>

Praysha Spearman

Hi, I’m Praysha Spearman and I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). My private practice is Renew Therapy, LLC. I specialize in trauma therapy via Telehealth for clients across the state of Georgia. Read More>>

Rachel Moncayo

I’d love to! So, I’m a Wellness Professional and my main focus is teaching Yoga and Mindfulness/Meditation. Back in 2012, I came up with this holistic wellness concept called Move-Nourish-Mind® – it’s actually trademarked! – and I launched it at my studio in Brookhaven. Read More>>

Rayeanna Motley Channer

I still remember the feeling of holding my first camera. I had no clear direction, no specific goal, just a deep desire to capture the world around me. It all started with street photography. Read More>>

Regina V. Baltimore Barbour

Who am I?
I am a mother, wife, author, teacher, speaker, serial new beginner, transparent enthusiast, and most importantly lover of LOVE and life. Read More>>

Sanaz Hagani

I am a multidisciplinary artist and educator based in Athens, Georgia, whose journey has been shaped by an enduring commitment to self-discovery and the profound connections that define our shared humanity. Read More>>

Sand Hook Oei

I am Sand Hook Oei and am currently an art Illustrator and Surface Designer living in Atlanta, GA. For the past 30 years I’ve run my own Web and Graphic Design business, having started this business after many years in different segments of the entertainment industries, namely television and music. Read More>>

Semira Sawyer

Hey y’all……. Im Semira Founder and CEO of Mira Mira on Air LLC a digital marketing, branding and production company here in Atlanta GA. I have a deep understanding of Atlanta’s digital landscape niching down but not limited to the hospitality and entertainment industry. Read More>>

Shannelle Norman

Meet Dr. Shannelle Norman

Global Virtual Tax Preparer | ABTP Pennsylvania Ambassador
Credit Advisor | Mentor | Business Development Coach

Owner of: Read More>>

Star Dillard

I am Star Dillard, “The Artist Visionary,” a multi-talented professional with a remarkable journey in the entertainment industry and business world. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, my passion for music led me to audition for American Idol during my freshman year at Clark Atlanta University, marking the beginning of my journey in the music industry. Read More>>

Sydney Daniel

Hello, my name is Sydney Daniel and I am a visual artist based in Roswell, Georgia, I make large scale abstract paintings primarily and I work out of my home studio. I received my BFA from Georgia State University in 2013 and my MFA from the University of Georgia in 2019. I typically use ink staining in my paintings as a jumping off point for my painting process. I do commissions and local group exhibitions on a regular basis. Read More>>

Tara Evans

I’m Tara of Tara Harp Photography, a passionate photographer dedicated to capturing the essence of people, brands, and life’s most meaningful moments. While I started as a wedding photographer—building a reputation for storytelling through love-filled celebrations—my journey has evolved to focus on branding, family, and event photography. Read More>>

Terresa Moses

Terresa Moses is a proud Black queer woman dedicated to the liberation of Black and brown people through art and design. She uses creativity as tools of community activism like her exhibition, Umbra, and her community distro project, Stop Killing Black People. Read More>>

Tristan Miller

Hello, I’m Tristan. I’m an indie rock musician. I recently self-recorded and released an album called “Nice Group Effort.” Out everywhere! Read More>>

Tristin Middleton

I’m thrilled to reconnect and share more about my journey! I’m a professional chef specializing in catering and private chef services, delivering personalized culinary experiences that celebrate flavor, creativity, and hospitality. Read More>>

Vickie Martin

I am a mixed media artist using music as inspiration. When I was the caregiver for my mother, who had dementia, I began to notice the effect music always had on the patients.. Read More>>

Waneka Johnson-bouyer Mba, Mcs

My name is Waneka Johnson-Bouyer, MBA, MCS, and I am the CEO of iBuild Careers, a career consultation company that specializes in creating resumes, CVs, cover letters, letters of resignation, as well as business cards. What sets iBuild Careers apart is the ability to create resumes that appeals to employers in a way that makes them want to learn more about the client’s skills. Read More>>

Wendy Garfinkel-gold

I am an artistic portrait photographer. I was a graphic designer/art director for about 25 years prior to this path. I always loved photography and took photos from the time I was 15. I never thought I could make photography my creative path, I always thought of photography as a commercial endeavor. Read More>>

Yn-nek Grice-jones

Hey my name is Yn-Nek Grice-Jones and I am a self taught loctician going on six years now since 2019. My brand is TWISTEDBYTOOTSIELLC. I specialize in everything that has to do with locs, from starting locs , loc colors, trimming , detoxing, repairing locs and even making loc extensions. Read More>>

Yvonne Matthews

I am Yvonne Matthews of Mobile, Alabama, the founder of the gospel singing group – Nu Image and Youth On the Winning Side, a former high school choral and piano instructor, and administrator who is also a retired minister of music. My life has been filled with music. Read More>>

Zaira Baker

My name is Zaira. I am an Artist that paints customized portraits of everyday people. I mainly go by my first and middle name, Zaira Iman, that is why my brand name is “Zaira Iman Art.” I began my journey as an artist in 2020. Read More>>

Zipporah Banyay

First of thanks for having me again, it’s really exciting to be connecting with the community during this new transition of my life. Quite a bit has changed for me since our last interview. Previously I was a social media marketing specialist, and since then I’ve taken my skills into my own business and purpose. Read More>>