Meet Deanna Durbin! She is a working wardrobe stylist and the creative director of Elva Mae. I sat with her at the premiere networking club in Atlanta, The Gathering Spot, to discuss her personal and professional journey. To Deanna, being a stylist is more than just picking the right clothes for her clients. Her mission is deeper.

Travel enthusiast, web developer, neighborhood film liaison and advocate. These titles only scratch the surface what Carrie Burns has brought to Georgia’s creative and tourism industries. She is currently Director of Marketing for Arival, a hub for all types of tourism and travel businesses. We met in Hapeville, GA at the newest location of FolkArt to catch up over lunch.

Thank you for your time, Taraja.

Chuck Thomas talks to Kalena about being an independent filmmaker during the 2023 Hollywood strikes.

Chuck is not only an amazing filmmaker, he’s also Superman! In 2023, he donated one of his kidneys to me, effectively saving my life and changing it for the better. After I spoke with him about the strikes, we checked in on each other’s recovery. His road was much longer than mine. If you want to truly get to know a superhero, have a listen.

I was blessed to have worked in film and television in Georgia for over 15 years. Along the way, I met Leshaun and his team at the City of Atlanta. Getting to know the office and the hard work they do securing our filming permits and safety measures, I wondered how they were fairing during the strikes in 2023. I sat with Leshaun to discuss this and other things.

She calls herself a filmmaker and a storyteller. Her work with her production company Group129 is extensive! Don’t believe me? Check it out! During this interview, I noted how much of an internal journey that Arma was preparing to make. She spoke on the differences between artist who have to feed themselves and those who don’t. There is a love for how much of a creative incubator Georgia is, however there are still barriers to cross. Listen to her perspective.