We asked some of the most inspiring folks we know to tell us what they are inspired by.

Kimberly Christian | Owner, Coleman Lake Restaurant

Food, and more importantly, feeding people. Food is THE universal language. You may not be able to speak the same language with someone, but a great meal shared between people has the ability to cross all boundaries. When you share good food, you need no words.
In my family, food is our love language. When you walked into my grandma’s house, the first question after “how are you” was “are you hungry?”. Sharing a meal is and was the way we caught up with each other and connected. A special or favorite food has the ability to comfort and console. I suppose it is not necessarily food that inspires me, but what food inspires in others. That is why I got into restaurants as a kid. It was a world not dissimilar to the one I grew up in. In restaurants I found people with the same passions and attitude I have. Opening a restaurant was a natural step. The restaurant I opened has a long history in the area and it is my pleasure to continue it’s history and legacy. Read more>>

Juan Terrazas | Inspirational Speaker & Youth Advocate

I’m inspired by individuals who continue to overcome adversity. In spite of any opposition, they keep pressing through. I enjoy listening to motivational speakers such as Les Brown, Eric Thomas, and many more. Their testimonies remind me of the hardships I encountered growing up. As I listen to them, I think to myself, “If they can make a difference with their lives, I can, too.” Knowing there have been people who have gone before me, I can look to them as examples to follow. Read more>>

Sasha Smardak | multidisciplinary artist

I am inspired by materials, mediums, and process. I am drawn to bright colors and bold imagery of the pop art era. I create large scale, soft sculptures and installations that are based in the process of manipulating a material and utilizing multiple disciplines. I draw inspiration from artists such as, Yayoi Kusama, Alexandria Massey, Herb Williams and Claes Oldenburg. Read more>>

Chris Miller | Mentor Specialist and Executive Director of Be Compelled, Inc.

I’m inspired by the immense potential of the next generation of youth growing up here in Atlanta—a city brimming with rich history, vibrant culture, and an undeniable influence that extends far beyond its borders. These young people are not just growing up; they’re immersed in a trend-setting environment that shapes them into leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Read more>>

Thies Mckaye | Virtual Admin Assistant

I’m inspired by the opportunity to help others achieve their goals and streamline their tasks. Every project I assist with, and every problem I help solve, fuels my passion for making life easier for those I work with. Seeing the positive impact my support can have on someone’s day-to-day life motivates me to keep learning and improving. Read more>>

Antonio “Tony” Minifield

Traveling is my ultimate muse, igniting my creativity with each new destination. The world’s diverse beauty constantly fuels my imagination, proving that exposure equals expansion. Every journey shapes my fashion sense, lifestyle choices, design ideas, and photography, each inspired by the vibrant places I’ve been fortunate to explore.Read more>>

Breyan Samuels

Growing up, I used to sit in my granny’s salon and watch her use Marcel irons. I thought that was all there was to doing hair, so I never wanted to become a cosmetologist. As I got older, I realized there were so many ways to create a business in the hair industry, whether it was old school with French rolls or finger waves, or new school with locs, hair extensions, or braids. Read more>>