Maacah Davis began belladonna, a magazine she independently prints four times a year, as a summer project. It's the first multicultural fashion magazine in Birmingham. (Provided photo)
Larry Contri has been an employee with Birmingham City Schools for nearly 50 years, and is now serving as Interim Superintendent for the city. (Provided photo)
Lauron Pijeaux (left) and Joe Brown (right) have been friends for more than 15 years and attended John Carroll High School together. They overcame a number of obstacles to open Laced Up Boutique. (Special to The Times)