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.
Felicity Folson
I even tried to branch out and do different things, but I always lost interest. My creativity alone fueled the passion I have for graphic design. Every time I tried to steer towards something different, I’d get a random idea or the urge to try something new. As I got older, I realized that I was looking for something that was within me the whole time. It was never forced or copied, and it came strictly from my heart. Read More>>
Patricia Holland-ward
Today, I specialize in custom gifts and apparel, with a strong focus on rhinestone embellishments. Some of my favorite creations include rhinestone-encrusted footballs, hats, roller skates, and clothing. I hope to inspire women, especially those over 50, to pursue their passions. Bling isn’t just for women and girls anymore.. it’s for everyone! Who wants to be basic? Everyone deserves to shine and I’m here to help them do it—one rhinestone at a time. Read More>>
Whitney Hatcher
Over the past 4 years of growing a large social media presence, giving birth to my first baby girl March of 2024 has inspired me to grow even into my womanhood , jump into mommy mode and share of my knowledge I’ve gained as a lady. This phase so far is the most dearest to me because I now have a daughter looking up to me . It makes me think back when my mother enrolled me in a young ladies mentorship program and how much I really dreaded going but how much it subliminally taught me. It had brought upon a full circle moment and for that I must thank God and my Mother. Read More>>
St Hilaire Gheslaire
I was born in Port-au-Prince and developed my love for art at a young age, exploring various forms of artistic expression before diving into the captivating world of digital art. My artistic journey has helped refine my technical skills and deepen my understanding of artistic concepts. Read More>>
Pretty Party Co.
After covid, we were trying to find ways to celebrate the little and big things in life. We had always had a knack for hosting parties and styling, and we wanted to turn that talent into a business. We created Pretty Party Co. “Your One Stop Party Shop!” where we offer balloons, decor, styling, and more. Read More>>
Evelyn Russell
Definitely not, I originally wanted to attend a fashion school in New York. Because of financial concerns, I was not able to. However, I could not be more grateful for UGA and the resources they have here. I was also diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa in my junior year of high school, and received residential treatment for it. I have since emphasized size inclusivity and body positivity in production of my own clothing line. I find sewing and fiber art to be a calming escape from anxiety and other stressors. Read More>>
Mokah & Knowa Johnson
In 2009, while Mokah pursued her master’s degree from Full Sail University, we were selected to co-host the school’s online media outlet, “Orlando Live,” marking our initial IMDb credits. Following her graduation, we relocated our family to North Atlanta and co-produced a print magazine, Flyer Promo Magazine ATL, originally founded in Orlando. Our efforts significantly contributed to promoting emerging artists and assisting established professionals and companies in reaching an extensive readership. Read More>>
Casey Newell
I wanted to be a screenwriter. Turns out I had no idea how to make a career out of screenwriting in Nashville, TN as a 19 year old. So I bought a camera and started learning to shoot. It took me about 3 years of working (mostly unpaid) in film to really have any sense of direction and continuity in my career and not just a slowly growing body of work and credits. Read More>>
Brannu’
While continuing my education at Temple University I pursued modeling, and acting. My first magazine publish was in Photos Unboxed magazine. Although, I consider myself a jack of all trades; I mainly began focusing on elevating myself as an artists. Music is the love of my life. Which is why I currently I am a recording artist. I have music out on all streaming platforms, Apple Music, Spotify, etc. while working on my first project which is 6 song EP. My EP will be releasing sometime next year. Read More>>
Jasia Givner
I really cherish the way that my family wanted me to be taken care of and self-efficient however it made me suppress my burning desire for creativity. Graduating college almost 10 years ago now, and not using my Biological Sciences degree to its potential has made me see that I need to stay true to my passion, that is what has lead me to creating Slayed Designs LC. I want to build my creative design business by bringing all of my ideas to life! Read More>>
Ana Lopez
We understand that each moment is unique, just like our clients, and we work tirelessly to ensure every event is a reflection of your personality, style, and the love you wish to share with your friends and family.Our Boho Chic picnics transport you to an ethereal wonderland, our bonfires ignite the spirit of togetherness, our backyard movie nights turn your garden into a cinematic masterpiece, and our event planning ensures that every detail is meticulously orchestrated.Let us be your creative companions, your event architects, and your memory-makers. Read More>>
Tfemi
I grew up in Nigeria, where music was never part of the plan—I was all about football (soccer). While in college, I was focused on making the team, but when I failed my French class, I became ineligible to play. Some of my closest friends were on the team, and we were always joking around and trolling each other. Once I couldn’t play anymore, they had plenty of material to use against me, so I decided to fire back by making a diss track. That was my first real experience with creating music. I took it more serious when the late xxxtentacion reposted my song. Read More>>
Brittany Bachus
To those seeking to attain greatness, how you start has little bearing on how you finish. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve experienced major, traumas, abuses, mental health issues, financial issues, legal issues, character issues, you can work through those issues be intentional and strategic around both healing and growth and you can still come out on top. I’ve experienced each of these, and God has blessed me not to look like my turbulence. Read More>>
Jessica Toney
I started , Trash Clown Designs about 4 years .I initially started making memorial pendants with cremation ashes. I did this as a way to cope with My younger sister Melissa Sue passed away in 2019. I started making UV resin jewelry and jewelry with epoxy resin and I really enjoyed it. However, I just felt like I wasn’t able to do as much with it as I wanted, so I decided to switch up my medium. Read More>>
Miriam Frost
My name is Miriam Frost, and my journey to entrepreneurship started long before I ever opened Stellar Power Yoga studio. Originally from New York, I relocated to North Carolina with my then-husband and two young boys, seeking a better life for our family. We wanted a strong family culture, and North Carolina seemed like the perfect place for our boys to grow up. Read More>>
Dan Whalen
I went to school for computer science and immediately hated my job when I graduated. I decided to build a website to focus on the parts of computer science that I did like, and started putting recipes on to the website. I did not cook much growing up, and began to really fall in love with the process. Eventually things would go viral and I became obsessed with pushing myself and creating more content that people would like. This was all way back in 2008. I still never thought it would be a viable business opportunity until about 2012 when brands started reaching out to pay me to use their products. I eventually quit my “day job” in 2015 and never looked back! Read More>>
Chandler Nesbit
Thankfully, we have been able to set ourselves aside by utilizing our resources by continuously working with Charitable Organizations within our small town and by creating a brand around Body Positivity and Affordable Fashion. That is something that is hard to come by within our industry. Read More>>
Marty Darracott
Why would something so tragic happen, how could something so devastating and heartbreaking happen to me while I’m doing the Lord’s work? Another example of the journey being rough is watching people get hurt by the church and end up walking away from the local church altogether. Some have even walked away from the Lord completely. Read More>>
Elle Overholt
In 2018, I embarked on a mission to empower talented students to identify their unique skill sets, advocate for themselves in the job market, and embark on careers that truly reflect their strengths. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of students, serving as a keynote speaker, facilitating workshops, coaching corporate professionals on resumes and interviews, and more. Read More>>
Jarae Moore
After losing both of my parents, I stepped out on faith and made the bold move to Atlanta, already having strong connections with some of the biggest promoters and artists in the city. Little did I know, that leap would open doors I never imagined. With the support of industry heavyweights like Boosie Badazz, Big Sexy, DJ M, and other influential names, I found myself in major rooms and collaborations that transformed my career. Read More>>
Dropping Dymes Podcast
Now, 107 episodes in, we reflect on our journey. What started as a game of flag football had transformed into a movement. We illuminate paths to growth for ourselves and our community, proving that through open dialogue, vulnerability, and brotherhood, we can navigate the complexities of life together. Our conversations echoed through the airwaves, a testament to the power of connection, resilience, and our shared pursuit of growth. Read More>>
Kristopher Willis
This is easier to tell in person or at length, but cheesy as it sounds, relationships and discomfort are at the center of how I arrived here.
My family moved around often growing up due to my Dad’s work. I was born outside of Chicago, then moved to Detroit, LA, Chicago again and came to Atlanta to finish my senior year of High School. That last one was especially tough, but during that year I had a mandatory crash course in making a good impression. Going out of state for college at Florida State University and only knowing one other person when I got there, I put what I learned to use and made so many good friends seemingly overnight, some of which I consider brothers and were in my wedding in 2023. Read More>>
Joshua Bloke
I am forever grateful to Lex for doing that because I’ll never forget where I come from, but to pursue this dream of mine, I had to leap and leave my small town. And, after I got here, I didn’t quickly get focused on my comedy career either, but like I said, check out the podcast! Regardless of my past, I can confidently say that I am a proud writer, comedian, actor, and content creator, and I AIN’T AFRAID TO SAY IT! Forget the folks who say, “Oh, but does that pay your bills?” Yes, it actually does…now what? It may be my fast food restaurant note, but it’s paying for something and we all have to start somewhere. This isn’t easy! Read More>>
