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.
Sonia Lackley
My passion comes from sitting in the kitchen watching & helping my grandmother prepare, prep & cook dinner every day & cook large Sunday dinners for our family. Not too mention I love food and I love to see the look on people’s faces when they taste my cooking. Cooking has taught me the importance of quality, love, and dedication in every dish I prepare. I just love decorating & setting up events for special occasions & this is what led me to wanting to start my own catering business. Read More>>
Sofia Smith
The journey has been anything but smooth, marked by significant challenges along the way. Shortly after launching the business, COVID-19 struck, prompting us to halt new admissions for three months. During this period, I lived on-site with my residents to ensure their safety and continuity of care. While other personal care homes closed, we remained committed to our clients, developing a comprehensive COVID protocol that enabled safe property tours, testing, and placement for new residents. Many of our current clients joined us during this time. Despite facing financial pressures, including a lack of flexibility on lease terms, we persevered through these obstacles with unwavering dedication. Read More>>
DJ Y Not
This is my craft! So I treat it as such. Doesn’t matter who the client is, or what the event is; I’m going to be punctual, professional, and provide an experience! My grind is what got me to where I am today! The motivation to never quit, and develops different pathways to success. With this mindset I have diversified my clientele, broaden my musical knowledge, and gained experience with a multitude of demographics. Wether it’s a corporate event, 6th birthday party, wedding, or a 90th birthday I AM THE GUY for the job! Read More>>
Gerell Traynum
I’m proud of following my dreams and moving to a new place to pursue them. Im also most proud of opening up for major artists so far without any type of major deal or assist. Very proud of the co-signs from major artists and producers such as Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Rico Love, etc. Read More>>
Alejandra Bermudez And Dahomy Bermudez
In 2023, we decided to combine our love for organization and the close bond we share to build the company of our dreams. This journey has been full of highs and lows, challenges, and doubts, but working each day toward this dream has been incredibly rewarding. As we refined our vision and shared it with more people, new opportunities and challenges began to arise. Read More>>
Elisa Dore
As time passes printmaking still captures my attention due to the methodical nature of the process, something I value more and more in a world of instant gratification. About a year ago I moved back home to Atlanta and I am currently in my second year of pursuing an MFA in printmaking at Georgia State. Read More>>
Tyesha P
I’ve always had a strong interest in clothing from a young age, particularly in men’s fashion, which evolved into my tomboy look. Growing up in Brooklyn, I was exposed to a variety of different styles that inspired my own. Attending Catholic school, where we mostly wore uniforms, made dress-down days feel like my personal fashion show. While I never labeled myself as “fly,” the streets certainly did. Read More>>
Kenyatta Bosman
Growing up, my journey began with a bittersweet moment that would later shape how I see the world. I still remember a class assignment that left me feeling alone: we were asked to bring baby photos, but I had none to share. I felt the sting of being different, yet this would be the very thing that drove my appreciation for life’s fleeting moments. When I was about to turn five, my mother, a hardworking woman who always made the most of every opportunity, took me to a studio. She couldn’t afford baby photos, but she made sure to capture that one day, complete with a Blue’s Clues number 5. It wasn’t fancy, but it was special. And I think back on that moment often—how she created a little magic out of almost nothing, giving me my very first portrait. Read More>>
Timeasha Bailey
That coupled with being back in a small town has made it difficult to charge my worth. Other photographers see this small area as a competition, but luckily I have made some AMAZING friends along the way. One of the worst experiences I had was second shooting. I was so excited because it was at one of my favorite venues but the lead photographer never gave me my images like he promised. I have since second shot at this venue twice with an amazing lead. I also had the opportunity to photograph the annual Chamber of Commerce dinner. So the good definitely outweighs the bad. Read More>>
Sunny Brown
My career began with a passion for serving young people. After leaving an abusive marriage, I spent over a decade as a single mother, working tirelessly to provide for my family. During those years, I left college but built a strong reputation as a youth programmatic trainer in a major nonprofit. That role allowed me to influence young lives on a large scale, and it ignited a calling to go even deeper. After 15 years in youth work, I felt led to transition to ministry, serving full-time as a pastor for four years. However, my calling began to shift as I recognized God was guiding me toward a different kind of impact. I felt I was “fishing where the fish were already caught.” My heart grew increasingly drawn to the classroom, where I could reach young people on a more personal, transformative level. Read More>>
Naijentelij Espinal
I always knew I wanted to give others a sense of community and support and recently someone reached out to tell me just how much my page made them feel like they where a part of my family and that’s one of the things I love about what I do, so many people feel alone and uninspired and to be in a position where I can make someone laugh and spark inspiration in them means the world to me. Today my page continues to grow and has opened many doors for me and my family financially and otherwise. And I truly still after 3 years love sharing my life and motherhood with the world. Read More>>
Kelly Osment
Our companies are tied together by bringing our clients purpose, inspiration, and peace. Whether through improvements, designed spaces, short-term rentals, consulting leaders so they can gain more capaicty, resources for ambitious women, or resources for those who’ve undergone trauma or abuse, it is our joy to serve our community. Read More>>
Georgia Medical Cannabis Society
This personal transformation led the couple to attend a free educational event hosted by Dr. Rasean Hodge. The knowledge they gained at this event was profound, offering more valuable information than any paid events they had previously attended. It was here that Yolanda and Angela saw the need for accessible education and patient support within the medical cannabis community. Many patients, like Yolanda, struggled to navigate Georgia’s low-dose THC program, and resources were either scarce or expensive. Read More>>
Elizabeth Williams
Ballroom, Latin and WCS are lead-follow partner dances that can be danced to a wide range of genres, including moderate tempo blues, R&B, pop, Christian and contemporary music. To attend our local Alpharetta events, there is no prior dance experience or partner required. Club 201 and Swing Invasion events have a $12 entry fee, which includes group lessons and social dancing. Private lesson rates vary by instructor, location and duration. We love seeing new faces each week and building the Atlanta dance community. We hope you will join us to learn, move and connect on the dance floor every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night at American Legion Post 201. Read More>>
Cheryl Blazej
hen, with my parents’ support and encouragement and my personal goal of owning my own business, I transitioned to working with small businesses. They were some of the best “teachers” I ever had. I witnessed the frustration if clients didn’t pay and payroll was due, the taxes that had to be put aside for the necessary due dates, upset clients if a shipment or task was late, and many other facets of business that you don’t see first-hand at a major corporation. I did this for about 12 years and then opened my own business which I’ve owned for nearly 19 years. Read More>>
Maya Galore
Now, I am known for helping women to elevate their lives – through makeup, style & self love. I encourage women to do the work to love & choose themselves everyday – whether that looks like mastering an easy makeup routine, creating a capsule wardrobe to look & feel their best, or traveling alone to get to know themselves better. Makeup tutorials paved the way for me to have such a larger impact, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Read More>>
Jital Pancholi
What I do isn’t just work; it’s a form of worship. Supporting people as they overcome challenges that impact them physically, mentally, socially, and even spiritually is deeply fulfilling. At Oncore, we take a holistic, patient-centered approach, focusing on long-term healing that empowers patients far beyond their sessions with us. Seeing someone regain their confidence and independence—no longer needing therapy because they’re truly healed—brings me immense joy and drives me every day. Read More>>.
Lakeisha Walter
If I had to sum it up into two words, it would be “God’s Plan”. I started juicing for myself and my family in May after receiving a juicer for Mother’s Day. My goal was to combat health challenges between my husband as I in a holistic way. Diabetes and high blood pressure runs in both our families. Read More>>
Ishioma Odinjor
From there, it was just silly little videos. Jokes that I would make here and there and people would laugh. But slowly, I started finding my voice and I started sharing experiences and my real interests. Now I’ve always been a big believer in ‘WHAT and WHO God has meant for you, will find you’ and that is exactly what happened here. People found my videos and could relate with me, laugh with me, cry with me, be angry with me, all of it! I was building my community up bit by bit but I still hadn’t switched to beauty content just yet until 2020. Read More>>
Ash Frost
In the last year, I’ve developed a better sense of what makes my services unique. People often compliment me on the pictures or video before they’ve even seen them from just having a good experience in front of the camera. Keeping a comfortable and candid environment is one of the most important parts of not only capturing the best facial expressions, but to ensure the experience is a positive one that leaves the client feeling confident. Read More>>
Alex D. Lugo
We moved to Venezuela when I was just 21 days old, then to Los Angeles when I was five, and finally settled in Miami when I was ten. Miami, specifically Kendall, is where I truly grew up, where I spent my formative years. Naturally, the arts were always very important to me, but I was also a very curious child—drawn to math and science. From the time I was three years old, I knew I wanted to be an actor. Music was also a significant part of my childhood. In high school, I was heavily involved in the band and theater programs, playing the saxophone and acting in school plays. Read More>>
Siufung Law
In 2021, I moved to Atlanta to pursue my Ph.D. at Emory University, where my current research focuses on the implementation and implications of nonbinary gender divisions in bodybuilding in Taiwan. Additionally, I serve as a board member and ambassador for the International Association of Trans Bodybuilders and Powerlifters (IATBP), promoting annual bodybuilding and powerlifting competitions for trans and nonbinary athletes. I am also an ambassador for Athlete Ally, advocating against transphobia and homophobia in sports. I am currently a sports journalist for TransGriot.com and you can find my writings here: https://transgriot.com/category/recent-news/sports/ Read More>>
Crystal G.
I started my brand because I always had a love for sneakers, daily I would post a picture of my sneakers and post “my feet sick” as a caption. A friend of mine during the pandemic ask me why don’t I come up with a clothing line due to your feet being sick. So, one day I made it happen starting my own clothing line called my feet sick. One year later I started my high end luxury street wear brand tailored around tapestry and knit. Read More>>
Landon Arnold
I also did plays where I played influential characters, like Muhammad Ali and many others. While at JSU, I also was chosen by legendary Deion Sanders, to work and assist for him while he coached at JSU. After I graduated in 2021, I moved to New Orleans, Louisiana to study my craft even more. In 2023, I made my move to Atlanta, GA. Since living here, I’ve had the opportunity to be an actor on a national television film in TVone’s PAYBACK. I’ve also been doing multiple short films and recently got signed to Aligned Stars Agency. I also have my own videography company (LKA Films) to practice deepen my passion as an artist and to one day be able to film my own movies. Read More>>
Tal Baum
After living and studying architecture in Italy for seven years, I moved to Atlanta where I worked as an architect. However, I soon felt like something was missing and realized that architecture might not be my only path. I was craving the culture I experienced in Italy – most of all the food and ingredients I was exposed to. That longing inspired me to open my first foray into the restaurant industry – Bellina Alimentari. with Bellina, I really wanted to bring a touch of Italian charm to Atlanta in a way that hadn’t existed before. Read More>>
Jornae Grove
However growing up my Grandmother Michelle was my best friend (still in counting). She and I would always bond with each other and rubbing her feet, and back was one of our bonding moments. I became her personal masseuse, I used to literally massage her, uncle Drum, my brother Jordan and my beautiful mother Georgia. Fast forward I always had the skill, I was the friend who offered my service anytime someone neck, back or feet hurt and I said you know what it’s time to get this show in motion and really take this seriously. Read More>>
Ketorrie Chatman-Ballenger
I started doing cooking content on Facebook and TikTok to get my name out there and display my talents and I ended up going viral a few times and I was able to monetize off of my cooking videos. Today in 2024. I am considered a private chef and I do small parties. At times I became discouraged because I felt like people wasn’t trying to pay me for what I was worth so I took a step back. My business isn’t quite where I want it to be as of November 2024 but that is okay I still cook with love and passion and when the right person hire me as their private chef I will be ready. Read More>>
Mylacia Clark
I used to think just because my looks I would be able to get whatever I want and it humbled me real fast because that’s not how it always work. I may have all of the features of a beautiful model but if you don’t have the confidence the walk the integrity you’ll never get picked to do anything. It also takes money to make money with that being said it’s ok to invest in yourself to get off the ground.I appreciate the the acknowledgement of voyage ATL Magazine for the recognition. When you think you are not being seen someone is always watching you continue to promote your craft and continue being beautiful. Read More>>
Fresco Trey
I grew listening to artist like Tupac, Kanye West, John Legend, Bill Withers and many more. That taste in music is why I credit my music for being so different today. I aspire to be the artist that lives in his music through real events, emotions, and feelings. My sister is the reason my love for music came to fruition. I always had a feel for music but it was in 2018 when my sister pried it out of me. For her im forever thankful because I wouldn’t have the courage to do so myself. Read More>>
Shaolynn Betts
I was lucky enough to have a school that taught graphic design with some of the early versions of the Adobe Suite, and I was immediately fascinated with what I could accomplish with this new tool, messing around with Photoshop’s filters and masks to create new effects, struggling with the pen tool in Illustrator, and learning how to better my compositions and layouts in InDesign. Read More>>
Anesha Horton
Now, I’ve moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where I’m raising my children and continuing my journey. Being with the love of my life has shown me that real love is patient, kind, and healing. It doesn’t fix everything, but it gives you the space to grow into the person you’re meant to be. He loves me unconditionally, he embraces who I am, and all of my insecurities . My story is far from over, but I finally feel like I’m walking in the right direction, and for that, I am grateful. Read More>>
Miyani Sales
After starting LifebyMiyani I decided I wanted to expand and since I’ve always been passionate about fashion design I started Leftthe99. Leftthe99 is a clothing brand for Christians who’ve had to leave the 99 to pursue the one who left the 99 for them. I plan to expand leftthe99 into way more than a clothing brand but for now I’m truly grateful to even be able to say I own a clothing brand because just a year ago it was just a drawing on a piece of paper. Read More>>
Shikeria Rogers
I wanted to start working in a more professional environment so I prayed and manifested working in a salon right after Covid and being considered a dropout college student. I started to build my clientele, which grew even more once I worked in my first salon which was located in Savannah ga at the time. Eventually I grew not only as a person, but my business grew, as well as my skills. Now on this day I love hair and I love what I do, I travel now doing hair, going to Jacksonville and Atlanta. Now I’m currently located in Atlanta with more opportunities and blessings and I’m very grateful for every last bit of it thanks to my God, my Lord & Savior. Read More>>
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>>
