ATLANTA’S POWER PLAYERS ARE TAKING OVER YOUR FEED— AND HERE TO LIFT UP AND LEAD THEIR COMMUNITY ONE POSITIVE POST AT A TIME.

PHOTO BY SHAWN MICHAEL CRAIG

Ahmad Barber and Donté Maurice, photographers

If you see an A-List celeb posting from a recent photoshoot, the odds are high that AB + DM (@abdmstudio), otherwise known as Ahmad Barber and Donté Maurice, are the ones behind the camera. Atlanta natives Barber and Maurice have been working together for three years now, after following each other on Instagram and later assisting each other on set, immediately fostering a symbiotic creative partnership now called AB + DM. The organic relationship has allowed the two to grow individually and together, having shot some of the biggest celebrities in the world—most recently Atlantan Cardi B, Tom Holland, Viola Davis, Zendaya, Kate Hudson and more. These two are constantly influencing us via social media with their boundless creativity when it comes to photo composition and work with color and style. “We both would like to believe that people relate to us because we are genuine. The honest perspective allows us to connect with some people on a deeper foundational level,” says Barber. When it comes to posting, the pair have developed different voices when curating their content. “Ahmad shares a lot of the ‘how’ and I share a lot of the inspiration to show the ‘why,’” says Maurice. But it is evident that whatever they post, they feel their influence comes with a sense of responsibility. Barber adds, “It is important to share your knowledge and solutions. As creatives, we know all too well how those insights help us elevate our work to greater heights.”

Michelle Edwards. PHOTO COURTESY OF KAY SOCIAL

Michelle Edwards, lifestyle blogger

Dynamic is a modest word to describe Michelle Edwards (@arebelinprada), the name behind fashion and lifestyle blog A Rebel in Prada. Corporate lawyer by day and fashion blogger on- and offline, Edwards is a force in more ways than one, preaching that midlife doesn’t mean giving up cutting-edge style. “I have been enamored with fashion my whole life,” says Edwards. “I love the way great fashion can make me feel about myself or the day ahead. It has been a partner of mine over the years in dressing the part to help give me the confidence to achieve the things that I have wanted to achieve.” This Carrie Bradshaw-esque maven draws inspiration from both new and old fashion, crediting French actress Catherine Deneuve in Belle de Jour as her ’60s style icon. “I try to encourage women to embrace and enjoy their life at every age, and share my tips to #LivingYoungerLonger through fitness, food, fashion, travel and skincare,” says Edwards. “I share whatever makes me feel happy and youthful and embrace it.” You can find Edwards’ social profile full of her go-to look, with a dress and a pair of killer heels as some of her favorite investment pieces. As Edwards says, “Buy investment pieces; you’ll only cry once.”

Kristen Giorgi. PHOTO BY: YANA YATSUK

Kristen Giorgi, fine art painter

Growing up in Atlanta, artist Kristen Giorgi (@kristengiorgi.studio) remembers her mother taking her all over to experience different forms of art—dance, theater and museums. “I was inherently drawn to creating and putting things together in an aesthetically pleasing way, which I later discovered meant composition in the art world.” As she grew, her talent grew, and she started her own Etsy shop, leading her to getting commissions for large design projects and projecting her into the well-known artist she is today. “Painting will always be my foundation and the basis for all of my endeavors, but over the last couple of years I have been able to collaborate with other brands and use my aesthetic and art direction to create product and content for them,” she says. Her personal aesthetic is minimal in a very purposeful way, full of texture, character and design, and apparently popular as her 44.9K followers can attest. “Sometimes it makes me laugh, but I am so extremely grateful to have this platform to share my passion and livelihood,” she says. “It’s not all about influencing buying decisions, but it’s also my duty to influence creators and make an example of how it’s possible to live out your dream and tell the story along the way.”

Heather McMahan. PHOTO BY: JENNY ANDERSON

Heather McMahan, comedian

Don’t be surprised if you spot a solo Heather McMahan (@heatherkmcmahan) at your local Waffle House, taking notes for her next character. Heck, you could be the inspo! According to the comedian, this is where she gets some of her best content—and for that we are all grateful. From “Mississippi’s No. 1 real estate agent Brenda Carlyle” to the Barefoot Contessa herself, McMahan has brought us more deep belly laughs than we can count via Instagram; her podcast, Absolutely Not; and, soon, a new show on Peacock based on her life. After time in both New York and L.A., she has moved back to Atlanta with her husband, Jeff “The Italian Stallion” Daniels, and their Frenchie, Rigatoni. “Every time I move away from Atlanta it brings me back,” says McMahan. “It’s always calling me like, ‘Girl, we still got work to do, see ya at the Clermont Lounge.’” When asked about her influence, McMahan admits she doesn’t see herself as an influencer. “I am very raw and real about the ups and downs of life. There is total transparency here. I am also the butt of all my jokes. If you can’t giggle at yourself then what are we doing here?” As for upcoming shows, McMahan can’t wait to bring her thick neck and thin ankles back on the stage very soon!

Justin Q. Williams. PHOTO: BY SEAN CASON

Justin Q. Williams, interior designer and HGTV Design Star

“To be influential means to be a connector and a role model,” says interior designer and HGTV frequenter Justin Q. Williams (@justinqwilliams). “People seek my expertise to connect them to the right people, brands, products, etc. I take my position as an influencer seriously because I know how much my success in life means to those who look up to me and aspire to follow my footsteps.” He couldn’t be more right of his followers, who look to him for the latest in interior design trends, launches and simply for everyday inspiration. Having started his design firm, Trademark Design Co., at the tender age of 18 and working full time at 21, Williams’ hunger for design shows through his extensive work portfolio. “I love changing lives and lifestyles. Being with individuals and families to curate beautiful yet functional spaces for them that elevate their surroundings gives me such joy,” says Williams. “It is why I started my business.”

Riley Kinnane-Petersen. PHOTO: COURTESY OF GUNNER & LUX

Riley Kinnane-Petersen, creative director, Gunner & Lux

Twelve-year-old Riley Kinnane-Petersen isn’t like most kids. By the ripe age of 7, she had an exclusive line of jewelry in 305 department stores after just two years of bearing the brand. The brand in question, Gunner & Lux (@gunnerandlux), is Kinnane-Petersen’s eclectic, quirky, Insta-ready line of jewelry that she started back in 2015 alongside her father, John Petersen. It quickly skyrocketed, attracting brands like J.Crew, Maisonette and Barneys. Today, Gunner & Lux has continued to thrive on Instagram and in the fashion world, with Kinnane-Petersen’s strong and creative voice shining through every post and collection drop. “I have been so lucky to have so many amazing women that have reached out to help me with business questions, to offer advice, to listen, and I hope I can give that back,” says Kinnane-Petersen. “I hope our page is inspiring for all ages, for anyone to be who they want and to reach for their dreams.” With so much influence at a young age, Kinnane-Petersen says she tries to be authentic. “I try to just be me; I think it is important as a young person with a business to have a place where everyone is welcome.”

Emily Jackson. PHOTO BY: BENJAMIN DUTTON

Emily Jackson, freelance writer and editorial contributor; founder, Stuffy Muffy

For all things chic and reminiscent of yesteryear, when cocktails were sipped slowly and grand Southern style reigned, look to Stuffy Muffy (@stuffy_muffy)—a blog that takes “stuffy” and makes it aspirational. The name behind the blog, Atlantan Emily Jackson, started the account anonymously to share archival art, interiors and things that inspired her. Soon she garnered writing opportunities and collaborations with other entities, and the rest is history. “I’m very flattered that my tastes, although very niche, resonate with fellow aesthetes who delight in the timeless tenets of a life well-lived,” says Jackson. “I attempt to share images that either hasn’t seen the light of day in decades or harken back to the delicious formality of the past.” As for her influence, she says she feels humbled by it daily, choosing to direct her audience to places like small businesses or simply to an hors d’oeuvres recipe that has helped her in the past. Her motto? “Guests must leave by 9—and a sprinkling of the Golden Rule for good measure.”

Terrell Joseph and Jarius Goudeau. PHOTO BY: MARY CATHERINE BROWNFIELD

Terrell Joseph and Jarius Goudeau, lifestyle bloggers

“Our family began with a dream at 19 years old. As crazy as it sounds, it is totally the truth,” says Jarius Goudeau. “Most people at that age are not concerned with building a family, but it was a burning desire of ours.” Goudeau is lovingly talking about the family he created with his husband, Terrell Joseph. Together, they have grown a community of loving, accepting and supportive followers by sharing their LGBTQ+ same-sex partnership; their children, Ashton and Aria; and a new perspective on the family model under the social handle Terrell and Jarius (@terrell.and.jarius). “We felt compelled to share our journey because when we were going through the process, there was no one wildly visible on social media who looked like us and was going through or had gone through a similar process,” says Joseph. “We have always been genuine people but we truly wanted to break the ‘social media couple’ stereotype.” Which they have, sharing the best and worst of times and normalizing imperfection. “If we had listened to everyone who told us we couldn’t, we would not have,” says Joseph. “Dreams do come true!”

Keisy Myumi. PHOTO BY: SHANTEL ESCOBAR

Keisy Myumi, holistic health and wellness coach; founder, Kurve by Keisy

When asked her occupational title, Keisy Myumi (@keisymyumi) first led with “unconditional strength specialist.” This is listed at the top of her Instagram bio and what she attributes as her foray into her brand, Kurve by Keisy (@kurvebykeisy). “My journey started with me falling in love with health and wellness for myself,” says Myumi. “Kurve evolved naturally over time.” She continues, “I intuitively curate workouts that enhance each person in their own unique way—physically and beyond. Kurve is almost like my signature. It’s my approach to encourage intentional transformation.” And online, this method of intentional transformation has garnered her 16.5K followers and counting. Most recently, Myumi gave birth to a baby boy and continued showing her genuine life on her feed and being a cheerleader for others. “What I feel sets me apart [about social media] is being genuinely empathetic. I actually care, definitely beyond social media,” says Myumi. “I can relate because I am in the journey alongside you. We are transforming together.”

Emily Hertz. PHOTO BY: HEIDI HARRIS

Emily Hertz, founder, Born on Fifth and Bows & Blue

“I often say I’m in the business of inspiration,” says Emily Hertz, founder of successful blog Born on Fifth (@bornonfifth) and brand Bows & Blue (@bowsandblue). When she shared her first post on her daughter Elle’s first birthday, she had one goal, and that was to inspire women for their own parties, gatherings and soirees. Since then it has evolved into a brand that inspires everything from wardrobe to homewares, most recently having done a clothing collection with Dillard’s. “I think as time has gone on, I’ve honed in on my aesthetic and point of view, and that really resonates with people,” says Hertz. “I try to capture the beautiful moments, the styled moments, the real-time family moments and everything in between. All of my photos have a visual point of view, so when you look at my feed broadly, it tells a story.” Pale blues, pinks and spring greens cover her aesthetic and have influenced us to buy things like a house dress—and more florals! “Everything’s better when flowers are involved!”