Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a boutique gym started by a local fitness champ or we could keep giving away our money to the handful of giants who already control so much of our commerce. Our daily decisions impact the kind world we live in; if we want a world where small businesses are growing and artists and creatives are thriving then we should support them with our time, money and attention. We’re proud to highlight inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs each week in Hidden Gems series. Check out some of our latest local gem features below.
Shuntéga Meadows
I could have let my age stop me, but you’re never too old! I could’ve let bad relationships stop me, and to be honest, I almost did. I could’ve let being a single mother stop me, but we are living it up. Now I’m back home in Georgia waiting for my next opportunity in the fashion industry, currently working for an amazing boutique. I am also a textile artist and jewelry designer. Always inspired, always looking for something new to explore, a new country to visit. Look out, a brand might be forming! Live life with no regrets! Read More>>
Elizabeth Burns
The passion for teaching children came from my first job out of college. I started with a chain childcare center “teaching” 4 year olds and honestly was struck by how boring it was. I thought, playing with kids should be creative and fun. They should be outside running and climbing and getting messy with mud and paint and glue. Read More>>
Takoya Campbell
I found myself frequently compromising who I am, and I needed to remind myself why I moved to Georgia. To others, my decision might not have made sense, but the whispers of peace, clarity, and growth guided me back to my purpose. I believe a fulfilled life is more than individual success; it’s about the simple, meaningful interactions changing the world, one person at a time. This belief, which has guided me since I was 19, inspired the creation of Think Heir. Read More>>
Leek The Legend
I gained a lot of experience and was able to refine my skill set. I then began changing up the types of clients I started to work with to expand my skill set, eventually moved into events and corporate media, and sports. Which now are two of the largest grossing media outlets I have. Recently I’ve got into doing documentaries of all sorts, and looking to pilot my own productions. I speak the power of God everywhere I go and I just hope that when you believe in a dream, you believe in yourself enough to go for it. a job will forever be there, the time you have to pour into yourself deserves a chance too. Read More>>
Tyra Walker
Zorada’s Boutique began as a hobby while out on maternity leave with our second daughter. We attended our 1st vending event in April of 2024. Since then, we’ve attended multiple events, been invited to collaborate with other small businesses and schools, and added our products into Dallas Main Street Markets and Birchtree Bookstore in Downtown Dallas.. Read More>>
Shylee Mcbride
I have been passionate about antiques and vintage since I was a teen. I would visit antique stores and vintage shops and imagine the items in my home. I am also a creative, I paint, make jewelry, and have tried my hand at many crafts over the years. In 2019, I decided I would take that passion to the next level and open a booth at a local antique mall. For me, the treasure hunt is the best part. I curate beautiful items from around the world, with a bit of hand-made goods as well. Read More>>
Amanda Wollnick
After mutilating a frog in high school biology class with the dull scalpels my high school let us use, I decided that maybe being a Veterinarian was not for me. This was the mid-late 1990s and there were many news stories all about DNA, probably due to the Jurassic Park movie. Since I was already a bit science and math minded, I thought that would be an area to go into, since it sounded like a solid career that would pay the bills. Read More>>
Dr. Javier Cornier Blanco
When I was a senior in high school, I got the chance to shadow a chiropractor one afternoon and after listening to the patient testimonials, I had no doubt that becoming a chiropractor was going to be my ultimate goal. Seeing how much chiropractic helped me as an athlete, made me want to help other athletes improve their performance. Read More>>
Kara Chatham
When I graduated from Jacksonville State University in 2015, I was offered a short-term video editing contract opportunity that turned into a long-term contract. When it made the shift from short-term to long-term, I was advised to create an LLC; and thus my company was created in April 2016. Even though video editing was the primary focus because of the contract, I still seized opportunities that allowed some photography. Unfortunately, like many contract based opportunities, when COVID hit in 2020, my company took a huge hit as well. Because of the occasional photography booking, I never had to dissolve my company. Read More>>
Kristen Baier
I used to model with my wolf dog but when he passed I went back to my original love for motorcycles i couldn’t afford a bike let alone a Harley Davidson when I had to take care of him bc I didn’t have the extra expenses but after falling into a deep depression i pulled my old bike out of the shed and got it running again and started making content Read More>>
Johnathan Mcclain
God showed my visions in my head of me designing clothes before I ever designed clothes in a mansion. I haven’t gotten the mansion yet , but I’m designing clothes lol. Then I went to the Art Institute of Charlotte to hone those skills to make me a designer. After I graduated from school I started designing clothes for Citi Trends, started making apparel for universities. I was tired of not having the kind of clothes I saw in my head so I created Alumni Fly because I already graduated from fresh. Read More>>
Mike Phillips
After some friends and family members asked me to create artwork for them, I slowly began considering the idea of creating and selling artwork as an actual business. From the time I officially launched Morningside Art as a business (July 2022) until now, the business has steadily grown and more opportunities have continued to open up to me the more I put myself out there. I’ve been really fortunate to meet so many different people that I would’ve otherwise never met had I not pursued my passion as a business. Read More>>
Bobby Sox
My story started 24 years ago in a little town called Wakefield, in instead Jamaica. Our entire city knew nothing but poverty so as poor as my family was we never felt out of place. I was afforded the luxury of both parents so despite everything I didn’t have; love and affection was always present. Fast forward to 2015 I migrated to America and decided to do everything in my power to break generational curses, and as such I joined the military to fast track my independence and now I’m living in Atlanta grinding out the comedy circuit to make a name for myself and my family. Read More>>
Markanthony “Mac” Claiborne
I’m originally from the southside of Chicago (79th and Morgan). I was raised by my great grandmother Mrs. Luebirdia Eison who instilled in me the importance of hardwork and belief in one self. Watching her as a landlord run her real estate business inspired me to one day have my own enterprise. While i received great values and lessons from my great grandmother internally i still had to deal with the external draconian environment known as the ghetto. My way to circumvent the pitfalls of my environment was to join the military which is what i did in 1996. From there i traveled to Florida, Japan and Virginia. Read More>>
James Qualah
This lead me to servicing High profile clients such as Alex Rodriguez, Naz Reid (Timberwolves), Chet Holmgren (Okc Thunder), as well as many others on the Timberwolves & Vikings (Front office coaches as well). Now I Co-Own the same shop I built my name in while expanding my brand & talents to Atlanta, Georgia in hopes of opening up shop with my partner Meleyen Tengben in the next few years! I also am opening a community to barbers looking to excel their game, live a financially stable life, & make a six figure income! Read More>>
Tasha Fisher
They loved the decor, theme and entertainment. From there Royal Decor Events was born with a vision to create luxury children celebrations that focuses on one of a kind children landscapes, entertainment, and fun. My background as a teacher gives me a unique insight into what makes events special for kids regardless of age, gender or ability. My daughter and students inspire me daily with new innovative ideas and threads that I craft into one-of-a-kind celebrations. Read More>>
Alexzandra ‘ally’ Strickland
Since high school I’ve been intrigued by the conversation between the mind and the body. Even then, I wondered how a 60-minute dance class could soothe the stress and anxiety I’d been carrying around for days from the feelings I was unable to process. At that time, my go-to coping pattern was dissociating from my feelings, running away from the thoughts, and pushing down the unresolved energy inside myself. Read More>>
Stacey Samedi
My journey began with a passion for technology and design, which earned me a full scholarship to Boston University. During my studies, I honed my skills in both areas, setting the stage for a career in software engineering at Microsoft. Through several back-to-back internships, I gained valuable insight into how exceptional products are built—not just from a technical standpoint, but with a focus on user needs. Read More>>
Desiree Miller
My background is in broadcast journalism, having produced, reported and managed TV news stations and syndicated feeds for decades, but about 15 years ago I started to dip my toe into the online world, creating a travel blog and producing video content for various brands. That led to me producing more video segments for digital streaming platforms and now producing three travel shows based on small ships on the water. Read More>>
Sierra Little
I started in real estate during a time where I was doing a lot of soul searching about direction my purpose. I spent many nights in prayer to God about what He would have me do to create the most impact and bless the lives of others. After many confirmations, I pursued getting my real estate license. Each day I walk with Him and allow Him to order my steps on how to beat serve my clients. Read More>>
Cayden Cook
I am a Content Creator specializing in lifestyle, travel, and food content. I love creating engaging and memorable content that appeals to a wide audience. I have learned how to adapt in the continually changing social media realm. I create various types of content including reels, in feed posts, and stories that combine trends and original content. Read More>>
C West
In 2022 I was exposed to black mold and i became very sick due to that. I had severe eczema and rashes all over my body. It was hard to walk, clothe myself, get in and out the car etc. I was really hopeless and struggling each day. I began to pray and ask God for relief from all the pain I was in and he gave me the idea to start painting. I needed an outlet to relax and just take my mind off the pain and art became something that I truly enjoy. Read More>>
Okevia Wilson
I define success as Peace! Having spiritual awareness, believing that your purpose is already written and nothing ” just happens”! Also having financial stability and access to do, have and provide a life that feels good to you. As a mom, knowing that you raised good humans with high morals and values is the ultimate definition of success. Read More>>
