Originally from Chicago but an Atlanta native at heart, Ari has been capturing moments behind the lens for over a decade. Her passion lies in photographing people—she believes the best images come from genuine conversations and real connections. Since partnering with Good Grit in April 2021, she’s traveled across the South to bring stories to life through photography.

When she’s not behind the camera, you’ll find Ari collecting sneakers, embracing all things Hello Kitty, or spending time with her adorable (and mischievous) puppy, Mayhem, and her ten-year-old turtle, Peanut Butter. Her favorite Southern getaway? Jacksonville—because that’s where her grandma lives, and nothing beats home-cooked love.

First and foremost, Alli Patton is a chicken wing connoisseur. She is a writer, second. The Birmingham, Alabama-resident is a lover of the written word and her passion for those lesser-known stories of the South runs deep. She has been a journalist for the last decade, having gotten her start as an editorial intern here at Good Grit Magazine.

Since then, her work has focused on music, culture, and travel, guiding readers through everything from Japan’s celebrated bluegrass music scene to Austin’s latest heirloom boot brands. She has been featured in No Depression, American Songwriter, Holler, and more, but Good Grit will always hold a special place in her heart. Her first book, Blitzkrieg Bops: A Brief History of Punks at War, was published in July 2024.

A Dolly Parton junkie and lover of all things with a twang, when she’s not typing away, Patton can be found spinning old records and trying to teach her dog, Zeppelin, how to two-step.

Jessica Molina is a lettering artist and illustrator based in Dallas, Texas, with a knack for turning words into vibrant, feel-good art. A proud Nicaraguan-American, Jessica’s work blends bold lettering with lush, feminine visuals, creating pieces that are as empowering as they are eye-catching. You’ve probably seen her designs on everything from Target shelves to Snapchat filters, or even splashed across campaigns for Sol de Janeiro and Toyota. But at the heart of it all, her mission is simple: to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness—loudly, proudly, and unapologetically.