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 Southern Atlanta’s gems below.
Moses Carroll
Moses Carroll was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and moved to Atlanta, Georgia to find a new direction in life. Moses has been in the healthcare industry for 25+ years with a natural progression from a sales representative to Club Management in his quest to learn the industry. Now, Moses is an entrepreneur, community advocate, and CEO of FitSquad Studios, Inc. in the heart of the historic Pittsburgh community. He is the founder of McHealthcare, Inc., a non-profit organization created to educate and create awareness for individuals living in underserved populated areas and small business operators that would like to establish a Wellness Program for their employees. Read more>>
Sarah Ruiz
When we moved to the area (Peachtree City, just south of Atlanta), the town did not have a yoga studio. I was pregnant with my fourth and had practiced yoga with each previous pregnancy. I knew that I needed a space to practice, to connect with my growing baby, and take some time to breathe and find centering in my day. There were instructors teaching in a variety of venues, from gyms to recreation centers, but there was not a dedicated yoga space. I felt that this was something our community needed, a place to decompress and find connection with others through the practice of yoga. Read more>>
Kwame Morgan
My story is a bit traditional, I suppose. I grew up in the city of ATL, a drug-infested house hold. Toxic sights or lessons of what love is supposed to look like. Don’t get me wrong my upbringing had great intentions but they never really came across in the best way I guess. I come from good stock gone bad lol, to say the least. While growing up in the inner, I experienced a lot of trauma as I sit and reflect on my past while typing this. (whew I need a drink already lol) I can remember days of great fun and mischief as a kid. We did the typical things but kinda grew into adult activity way too early. Read more>>
Chayla B.
CHAYKE: [shake], verb, the act of being a stylish + sustainable shopper. My name is Chayla B. and I am the founder and owner of CHAYKE Vintage Boutique, LLC. CHAYKE is a platform to showcase my love for sourcing, curating, connecting, and styling. The mission is to spread love, save the earth, be stylish, and create a community of like-minded individuals who feel safe to express themselves in whatever way they may please! Read more>>
Angelica and Nick Speros
Hi! My name is Angelica, an Atlanta-based Artist. My story begins in Bogota, Colombia – South America. I came to the U.S when I was 15 years old, I became a citizen the following year, I have always been an artist, paint brushes and sketchbooks filled my home’s kitchen table, I remember sitting at around age six and just staring into nature, studding the colors and appreciating every bit of its form, I was intrigued with architectural details and wanted to paint and draw everything, it was a great way for me to express myself and feel more connected but also a way to escape the violence my home country was experiencing at the time. Read more>>
Jona Vark
I’m a first-generation Honduran-American, born and raised in New Orleans, LA. Growing up, it was difficult being part of the LGBTQ+ community because it was such a taboo subject in the early 2000’s; so much that society was too unkind. Layering that on top of being the child to non-English speaking immigrants, it was difficult to adapt into American society. But as I got older, I found my place in the world and embraced both sides of my childhood. Read more>>
Jack Summers
My story comes from humble beginnings. In 1996, I was born in Tver, Russia, a small city located about 45 minutes northwest of Moscow. My birthmother, who knew she could not provide me the life I deserved, gave me a chance at life by giving me up for adoption by leaving me in a hospital bed and disappearing into the night. As a result, I was placed into an orphanage and put up for adoption. Seven months later, an incredible couple, who couldn’t have children of their own, adopted me along with my older sister. I was very sick after coming to the United States and was told by one physician that I would face severe developmental and cognitive delays that would affect me throughout life. Read more>>
Jamelia Hubert
As far as skating goes, I was invited by a friend from an old Bible study group on campus. We went skating at Skate Zone in Morrow, GA as an outing, but I kept going back at least once a week. Eventually, I bought my first boot and began to network and learn from so many people. Eventually, I took my friends’ advice and started using TikTok and Instagram and became a content creator. The rest is still unfolding. For the most part no. As of late, I’ve gotten a lot of backlash and trolls for being who I am. I’m being roasted and dragged for being myself and having fun. Read more>>
Plushette Ellis
I started out in corporate management and in 2020 I wanted to change the way I experience life, I really wanted to find my people and within those three years, I found a way to fulfill my purpose. It hasn’t been a smooth road, with any transition you have bumps in the road. especially doubts, I’ve learned so much just by having amazing mentors & fellow entrepreneurs to show me the ropes but also avoid extreme pitfalls. but most importantly they motivated me and inspired me during those hardships and triumphs. I’m a Jane of All Trades, behind the shades I curate art show independently and I am also an artist agent. I do that and more. Read more>>
