Stephanie Wright is a senior contributing editor at Local Spotlight ATL with a background in lifestyle journalism and brand storytelling. She specializes in profiles of founders, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who are shaping the Atlanta region — with a particular interest in the stories behind why people build the things they build.
Stories by Stephanie Wright
Dr. Lisa Monroe on Leaving Emergency Medicine, Building Thrive Wellness Center, and Why Recovery Is the New Performance
After 12 years in emergency medicine, Dr. Lisa Monroe walked away from the hospital to build something the healthcare system never gave her room to create — a clinic focused entirely on helping high-performing people feel and function at their best. Thrive Wellness Center in Alpharetta now has a waitlist, a loyal client base of executives and athletes, and a reputation as one of North Atlanta's most respected wellness destinations.
Chef Darius Washington on Cooking His Grandmother's Food, Building Community in Roswell, and Why He Will Never Chase a Michelin Star
Chef Darius Washington has cooked in fine dining kitchens across Atlanta, but the food he makes people drive 45 minutes for is the same food his grandmother made in a South Georgia kitchen with no written recipes and no interest in impressing anyone. Soulful Kitchen in Roswell has become one of the most beloved neighborhood restaurants in North Atlanta.
Ryan Caldwell on Two Tours Overseas, One Beat-Up Trailer, and Building the Most Trusted Event Portable Company in Metro Atlanta
Ryan Caldwell came home from his second deployment to Afghanistan with discipline, a work ethic that most people could not match, and no idea what to do with either. He started Patriot Portables with a single portable restroom trailer and a used pickup truck. Eight years later, his fleet serves construction sites, luxury weddings, music festivals, and corporate events across the entire Metro Atlanta region.
Dr. Michelle Tran on Walking Away from Group Practice, Building Bright Path Dental, and the Patient Experience That Changes How People Feel About the Dentist
Dr. Michelle Tran spent five years in a group dental practice watching the clock run the appointments. Patients were rushed. Relationships were thin. When she opened Bright Path Dental in Johns Creek in 2020, she built everything around a single premise: if patients actually like coming to the dentist, everything else follows. The practice now has a waitlist and a near-zero cancellation rate.
About This Publication
Local Spotlight ATL is an independently published lifestyle and business magazine covering Metro Atlanta. Every story is researched and written by our team. Features are offered at no cost to businesses — our only interest is telling authentic stories that matter to the Atlanta community.