Like it or not, Atlanta, Georgia is made up of people who influence the nation’s culture in fashion, food and music without question. What if you could get to know some of those influencers a little better?
We’re going to share some movers and shakers that you may already know or should know on social media. For International Women’s Month, follow these women online.
These movers and shakers aren’t just influencing millions of people in the largest city in the Southeast, they’re giving back to their communities in ways that shape and mold the area’s future.
Because they’re just awesome, we wanted to highlight some of the women making waves in Atlanta. With that being said…
Why do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it? I love what I do because it allows me creative expression to which I share with those who have similar interest.
“Imagine being able to do what you love and the whole world appreciate it without judgment?!”
My inspiration behind it was nothing short of just realizing I had a love for fine dining, lol. I would have so many friends and family ask me why I didn’t have a blog. And one day it occurred to me that.. I totally should start one. Thus, my journey began!
Andrea Smith
Originally From: Raised in the Southeast (Irmo, SC / Tallahassee, FL, now Alabama)
Occupation/gig: Owner of The ADS Agency – bringing you global experience with a local touch.
Why do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it? I love what I do — serving as a marketing and branding professional — because it is my unique way to help the world with the gifts I was given.
I see the need for people who need help navigating this space of marketing and branding for their own business, they’re working hard to build their own brand and make things happen, and they need people who are not only experts in this space but who care to see them succeed.
Growing up, I didn’t know what these gifts were for – these creative gifts for visuals, the impact of words, the savvy to figure out how to make those messages resonate. I had no idea that this was even a viable career path – I was completely focused on medicine as a child, just because it was good money and a notable, respected career. I just was naturally good at certain things but nothing that ever clicked as a potential living.
“No one around me did this. I stumbled upon this space as a lost MBA student trying to figure out what to do with my life and absolutely fell. in. love.”
Since then, I’ve worked overseas in the UK in global branding roles, I’ve been entrusted to handle the branding and communications efforts for mergers and acquisitions to the tunes of hundreds of millions of euros.
Daryle Kennedy Edwards
Originally From: Baton Rouge but raised in Dallas, TX
Occupation/Gig: Social media associate for Cheddar Inc. and Influencer on YouTube and Instagram
I love being a positive force in peoples lives. I always knew I was a creator and I wanted to be seen and heard in the best light. My end goals are to be a writer and actress and I showcase all of my talents on my social media and website.
What inspired you to be a creator?
I was 13 years old and went through a traumatic and life-changing experience that made me realize I had emotions that could not be simply expressed verbally. So I started writing and acting to confront what was going on within me.
“Every challenge I’ve faced in my life inspires me to pursue my goals and be better than I was the day before and to let others know they aren’t alone.”
Christal D. Jordan
Originally From: Toledo, Ohio
Occupation/gig: Relationships & Women’s Issues Editor/Host and Public/Investor Relations practitioner
Why do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it? I love shaping public opinion so Public Relations was a perfect career fit for me. Investor Relations allows me to take that talent and apply it to financial opportunities for myself and my community so that is extremely rewarding. My passion is and has always been empowering women so my position at Rolling Out as a host and editor for Women’s Issues and Relationships allows me to speak to women of all backgrounds, career types and education and experiences and to find that thread that connects us as all women.
“Whether you are an entrepreneur, a stay at home mom, a corporate chick, a stripper or even a sex worker; there are things that are uniquely ‘WOMAN’ that connect us all.”
Once we realize we ALL have more in common than we do that separates us we can begin to heal and support each other, which will result in us empowering ourselves.
Why do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it?
I have a love for experiences that are outside the norm. I’ve always been a visionary and I actively pursue those visions. It comes with high stakes and sacrifices such as loss of quality time & money.
“But dreaming isn’t for the faint at heart.”
Ashley France
Originally From: PG County MD
Occupation: CEO, ANF Consulting, LLC, brand influencer , public speaker
IG: @iamashleynicolee
“I love what I do because I am able to help people.”
I felt I was put on this earth to help others through the gifts and knowledge God has given me. To know my content, digital products, and services has changed peoples lives is truly a blessing.
What inspired you to do what you do?
What inspired me was a need I saw fellow business owners had when it came to Instagram strategy & branding.
Courtney Dyksterhouse
Courtesy of Hevesi.Co
Originally From: Atlanta, Georgia (specifically Duluth, GA)
Occupation: Former news anchor; founder of social media company, Hello Fiori.
Whether it was on stage, television, or now, behind a computer screen, I’ve always enjoyed being a storyteller.
“Knowing you can capture an audience and give them tools to empower, motivate, and educate is something I never take lightly.”
That’s what motivated me to start Hello Fiori. It’s a company that delivers social media growth by establishing a business’s individual voice through quality storytelling.
Chastity Oakes
Originally From: Carrollton, GA
Occupation/gig: President/Director of Nursing at Arise Health Institute LLC
Why do you love what you do and what inspired you to do it?
I started my nursing career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, now I am an entrepreneur and pursuing my masters degree in Nursing. So, being able to offer entry level medical career education to others feeds my passion. That is what has inspired me to start Arise Health Institute.
“I love what I do because it provides others with an opportunity to change their life.”
What’s your favorite thing about Atlanta?
My favorite thing about Atlanta is the cultural diversity. Diversity when exposed to it makes you a more rounded individual. I feel enriched because I am always meeting someone from a different culture here in Atlanta and I am able to learn more about them, their culture and in turn more about the world
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
