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.
Taylor Yates
I played softball for about 13 years. My father started a team in order for me and my sister to start this sport. I played at the recreational, travel, middle school, and high school level. I played softball, basketball, and soccer all at the same time before focusing on softball. We did not have a pitching coach when I was younger, so my dad and I figured it all out through YouTube and later with travel coaches that knew some more. I’m incredibly thankful for my dad, he sacrificed a lot to help me learn this game and to this day advises me on how to be the best coach I could be. From the endless driving to practices and tournaments to endless college research, I have him and my mom to thank for all of this. Read More>>
Stephanie O’brien
Through dedication and continuous learning, I earned certifications such as Real Estate Negotiation Expert, Seller Representative Specialist, and Pricing Strategist. These credentials allowed me to stand out in a competitive market, particularly in assisting sellers whose homes had previously gone unsold, ensuring they could achieve the highest price in the shortest time and with minimal hassle. Read More>>
James Russell
Inspired by the stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge mountains and the natural splendor of their surroundings, Southern Brush proudly serves the diverse communities of North Georgia. Beyond their business endeavors, James and Tia cherish spending time with their family on the farm, creating cherished memories with their daughter, Brynlee, and son, Waylon. They also find joy in gardening and caring for their animals. Through Southern Brush, they aspire to transform outdoor spaces for others, just as they have done for their own. Read More>>
Mucho Dinero
It’s never easy chasing your dreams. Everyone around you won’t see or understand your vision but you have to know what you’re doing is for you and do it. Personally I understand everything isn’t for everyone and I may not be what everyone likes. I just have to keep creating. My uncle Chris is my mentor and he told me that I had something special. I believed him. Read More>>
Genelle Beyer
She ran her own business out of our home, having clients coming regularly to sew unique pieces for them. My mother had an amazing ‘fashion sense’ as some put it and she was always able to expertly advise her clients on what may or may not be complementary to their body, personality and overall style. It was because of her vested interest in all these areas, that she was part of that pioneer clientele of women who got their colors “done” by the popular company at the time – Color Me Beautiful. Read More>>
Jeremy Dibattista
Throughout my time at Tech, I grew to love being in the mecca of the southeast’s tech startup hub, loved learning business and entrepreneurship through my minor program, the Denning Technology and Management program, loved becoming a technologist, specializing in the growing field of AI, machine learning, and of course, loved rooting on the Jackets (even through some rough years). Read More>>
Miriam Boston
Hey everyone, I’m Miriam Boston. In September 2022, I took a leap of faith and launched The Life of Miriam, a ministry page dedicated to motivating, encouraging and uplifting individuals like myself. Growing up, I was always labeled as the girl who talked too much, but I didn’t realize at the time that God would use my voice as a gift for His kingdom.. Read More>>
Arya Upadhyay
My journey with science and innovation really took off as I moved from India to London, and then to the U.S. Along the way, my passion only grew deeper. By the time I was 13, I had launched Plant a Change, using biodegradable nanorobots to address soil degradation and ignite global discussions around sustainability. What started as a bold idea quickly transformed into a worldwide initiative, with a team spanning 25 countries. I even partnered with the mayor of Johns Creek to bring these environmental innovations back to my local community. Read More>>
Roeshaun Murry
My name is Roeshaun Murry and I am the Founder of United Women Reentry Foundation 501(c)(3) in Atlanta, GA. I’ve spent majority of my career in my hometown Memphis, TN working in higher education with Remington College and as Talent Acquisition Advisor with Enlyte, Johns Hopkins and Kaiser Permanente. I’ve always had genuine passion for guiding others toward meaningful career paths, I’ve dedicated myself to helping individuals navigate the job market and find opportunities that align with their goals and strengths. This commitment to career support comes naturally to me, driven by a deep belief in the power of meaningful work to transform lives. Read More>>
Prince Jamar Thomas
1. **Initial Investment and Financial Management:** The startup costs for a UPS Store can be significant, including franchise fees, equipment purchases, and lease expenses. Managing cash flow, especially in the early months, can be a major challenge as the business may take time to become profitable. Read More>>
Wendi Henderson Wyatt
From there, started diving into praise and worship in the early ’90s. I began blazing a trail and establishing a worship culture in several places that were unfamiliar. By the end of the ’90s, I really settled into the avenue of worship with training worship leaders and workshops. This is where I really started compiling worship music for Body of Christ. Read More>>
Tyressia Broomes
After the event, I kept at it, practicing and exploring different tools and techniques, pushing myself to learn as much as I could on my own. Finally, on January 25th, 2022, I took the leap and officially launched my business, determined to turn this passion into something impactful. And well, here we are today, continuously growing and creating! Read More>>
D’village Supergroup
It is a constant struggle as independent artists. I know it seems like a trendy thing to be. But trying to balance work, your personal life, and chasing your dream is not easy. Especially considering the fact that independent mostly just means you are spending your own money. Booking your own shows, paying for studio time, videos, etc. Not to mention dealing with less than honorable promoters, fake A&R wannabes, and severely saturated market of independent artists. Read More>>
Thee Muses
Through our social media presence, we’ve grown a following of over a million people across platforms like TikTok Instagram ,and Youtube. We’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with major brands, host panels, and even planned a community-centered event like our Artlanta After Dark: Thee Muses Halloween Gala in Atlanta that was on October 31st. Our path has been one of creativity, resilience, and staying true to who we are, both as partners and creators. Read More>>
