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.
Jaden Young
In 2017, I enrolled in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy(YEA), which helped me understand the logistics of business, build a business plan, and I had the opportunity to pitch to investors for funding. Also, I broke the record for the most items sold at their annual trade show. Furthermore, my connections in YEA led to an opportunity to be featured in the Young Intelligent Black Entrepreneurs Web Series. In 2019, I took my talents to Cheyney University, the nation’s first HBCU, where I was able to bake for different events and pop-up shops as a student. Today, I am continuing to perfect my craft in ATL, building my social media, and finding ways to make my desserts more accessible to consumers. Read More>>
Javen Moore
As I got up in my young adulthood, I lost touch with my passion for makeup, which resulted in me stopping makeup on & off for years. In 2024, I decided that my 9-5 wasn’t going to be enough & remembered my talent & passion for makeup outweighed everything that was going on around me & decided to enroll into esthetician school at the beginning of January 2024. Now that I’ve completed school, I’m looking forward to getting my official license, building & growing my business to its fullest potential, while still doing something I’ve always enjoyed. Read More>>
Micah Armani Hampton
This only ignited my fire, of course I would have loved to have hit records on the radio at 16 or 17 but it wasn’t meant to be. Instead I went to college at MTSU in the Nashville area to invest in myself educationally but to also met writers, producers and engineers in one of the music capitals of the world. My experience in the Nashville area encouraged me to release my own records and build my own sound, perform live, and develop my self as an artist this is how my first EP came to fruition, “The Summer of “99” the first installment of a three part EP. Read More>>
Diamond Tisdale
Then one day day I said I’m fulfilling all these personal goals yet not one job has asked me to promote me and if I applied I was denied and not treated very nicely. So fast forward I decided to start my own business where I could be in control and recieve the benefits I longed for. So many doors opened for me the moment I took that leap! I’ve been in rooms and built relationships with clients from all backgrounds and been in some places only people imagine. The risks and hard work has truly been a blessing to me and Bonjour Beauty Cosmetics! No one could have told me the picture I saw at the time for myself would be a Picasso. Read More>>
Rodney Iler & G.e.
Going into his first semester of freshman year, our founder, Rodney Iler, transferred to Clark Atlanta, not knowing why the Lord had directed his path this way. Not long after being accepted into the school, he auditioned to be a part of the Philharmonic Society/University choir, and what was originally intended to be an audition turned into an encounter in the presence of God that went viral in less than 24 hours after being posted on social media. At that point, Rodney knew exactly why the Lord had sent him to Clark Atlanta. That purpose was to bring back the university’s foundation, which is a Methodist school. Read More>>
Khushi Patel
Another challenge was finding ways to stand out in an industry that can feel saturated. I wanted XVI to feel personal and authentic, so I spent a lot of time defining the brand’s voice and values, ensuring everything—from the packaging to the messaging—reflected a deeper purpose of self-care and mindfulness. Read More>>
Jimmy Carey
Jimmy’s journey unfolds with influences enriched during his early years growing up in Puerto Rico, absorbing a diverse fusion of Spanish and Caribbean flavors. Transitioning to Miami for culinary education at Johnson and Wales University, Jimmy broadened his proficiency and leadership in esteemed 5-star Luxury Hotels, High-End Fine Dining, and acclaimed National Prime Steakhouses. Read More>>
Asia Maria
As I became more consistent with my work ethic and continued to put myself out there to the fashion community, I found myself being presented with opportunities and working with individuals that I could have only dreamed of, like walking in Milwaukee Fashion Week, San Diego Swim Week, Set Shakur Day – Fashion Show, walking at The Atlanta Women’s Expo and working with some amazing brands to help create content for their business like The CLASSIC Shop, PinkPopTartBeauty, The Lounge Avenue, and YungNTurnt, just to name a few. Read More>>
Jonah Denae
Writing was my escape. When birthday celebrations came, there sometimes wasn’t much and therefore I learned to be humble. I was reconciled in experiencing the reality that I was much different than classmates when peers were able to pass out cupcakes in class during their birthday. And I never did or could do that because of the stricken upbringing of an single- hardworking mother. Read More>>
Niki Stoller
Interior design parallels the fashion industry through similar conceptual methods with different end products. I learned a lot about construction from builders like Ross Savage of KRS Development, whose exceptional craftsmanship inspired me. While I was confident in selecting materials and finishes, understanding how my designs impact the build process was crucial. Eager to learn, I absorbed all the knowledge that I could from Ross and his subcontractors, and I still frequently reach out to him for insights on new installation methods and techniques. I’ve found that honesty and a willingness to learn are more sustainable that pretending to know everything, Read More>>
Kenia Perulero Montford
Anyone who knows me personally would tell you that I firmly believe the Father in heaven orchestrated my journey from Mexico to the United States so that I could fulfill His plans for my life—including meeting and marrying my husband. Over the years, as I’ve grown and matured spiritually, I’ve come to see the unmistakable evidence of God’s hand guiding my path in every way. Today, my husband and I have been joyfully married for over 14 years, and we share the blessing of raising our five beautiful children together. Read More>>
Mary Atchley
Before Mark and I launched Walk Your Plans Atlanta, we both had successful careers in the corporate world, working in marketing and client management. In April 2024, everything changed when I came across a video about Walk Your Plans, a company based in Cleveland, Ohio. The concept immediately resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to bring it to Atlanta. Read More>>
Nia Douglas
I believe that abstract art is not pointless, but a legitimate and powerful art form that can transform spaces to be more vibrant and dynamic. My style is influenced by various artists, such as Jose Parla, Jackson Pollock and Chuck Close, as well as by contemporary street art and graphic design. I use a variety of techniques, such as stencils, spray paint, glitter, and transparent paper, to create colorful and striking images that capture the attention of the viewer. My goal is to make people think, feel, and react to my art, and to inspire them to join me in making a difference in the world. I am most proud of my growth in the artist community and seeing the effect my art has on people. Read More>>
Christine Williams
It hasn’t always been glamorous, between tackling the not-so-fun tasks like securing a business license, navigating taxes, etc., to hustling to get our name out there. However, thankfully between my mother and me, we bring decades of business and marketing experience that has made it so much more smooth than if we hadn’t had that experience in our prior careers. I am so thankful for my mother being my right-hand (wo)man while building this business together. Read More>>
J.S. Living
When I was younger, I would ask my mom to read me bedtime stories and, when she couldn’t, we had these little blue cassette tapes that told stories like “The Fox and the Hare” and “The Three Little Pigs,” typical children’s stories. By the time I was in second grade, I had a great love for books, reading far above the level required for someone my age. Read More>>
Roshana Miller
When I started my Airbnb journey, I was scammed the first time, and I cried for weeks. But instead of giving up, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I stopped asking for help and figured everything out myself. I got my first Airbnb in Jamaica, followed by a second one there, and then a third in Mexico. While I no longer run Airbnbs, I’m so grateful for the lessons that journey taught me—it showed me how resilient I am and gave me the confidence to expand my goals. Read More>>
Aaron Desilva
It has not been a smooth road at all. I got into my positions a year before covid. I learned a lot in 2019. When the pandemic hit, I had to stop and recalibrate on how to do things. It was a huge learning curve and I learned to give my self and other people around me more grace. What made my positions on marketing and the pride committee easy was the people I work and collaborated it. I love to see and hear different ideas and perspectives on anything because nothing is linear or in black and white. Read More>>
Elena Norde
GenStem was born from a legacy of natural healing and a deep commitment to generational wellness. It began as a continuation of the Real McCoy Herb Shop, a business owned by my mother, where she helped customers with herbs, vitamins, and supplements. Inspired by seeing my mom naturally shrink and eliminate uterine fibroids through diet and natural remedies, I carried forward this passion for holistic health. After experiencing lower back pain and learning about the intricate connection between brain health, spinal health, and the central nervous system, I became dedicated to raising awareness, particularly about the disproportionate health disparities affecting the Black Community. GenStem’s mission is to educate and empower others on how to maintain brain, brainstem, and joint health for long-term, generational well-being. Read More>>
Rickey Brown III
Music became more than just a hobby; it was my escape, my language. As I grew, so did my love for performing. The stage was my playground, and every note I sang was a piece of my soul. I was fortunate enough to attend Howard University, a place where my musical talents were nurtured and challenged. The rigorous training I received in classical, jazz, and musical theater laid a solid foundation for my career. Read More>>
Dianne Cassara
The road here was not all smooth by any means! We could barely afford the farm in 1998 but somehow God found a way. We did not have money to build a barn and my Aunt Bobby helped contribute so we could build one. We had to clear 5 acres full of trees, 150 pine tree stumps were grinded down and 3 board fencing and posts installed. We had no idea how much work that it was going to take to make a pasture with grass for the horses and livestock. We did not own a tractor and everything we did was by hand. Read More>>
Terry Saxe
The year 2020 was probably, like for most people, the scariest as most events either canceled or postponed and nobody was booking anything, so financially and morale wise, we were all at our most vulnerable. When I started my business, my children were young and I was uncertain, but hard work and a super supportive team of professional vendors have been the key to my growth and success. I have learned to take nothing for granted and to keep on learning. I started my first year with 2 clients, which grew to 8 the following year and year after year, I have worked hard to maintain relationships with clients and vendors alike, which is testament to having a referral based business. Read More>>
Jacqueline Dennis
In 2018 God gave me a vision to open my own business. I was unsure what God wanted from me but He had everything planned, I just had to take the first step. I learned everything I could about how to manage my own business correctly. I was dedicated and determined and in 2019, I launched the opening of Royalty Tees, LLC. As the CEO of Royalty Tees, LLC, we specialize in customized t-shirts, hoodies, and other paraphrenia. Royalty Tees, LLC provides intimate apparel for everyday luxury giving our customers style that echoes personality. My business focuses on being creative and fashion-forward. We resonate with our target audience and embrace elegance one stitch at a time. Not only do we service Georgia but we ship all over the United States. Read More>>
Shariece Wilson
Inspired by her own success and driven by a genuine desire to make a difference, Shariece pursued certification as a credit consultant and has since made a profound impact on thousands of clients across the United States. With six years of experience as a tax preparer, she brings a well-rounded understanding of financial matters to her clients. Additionally, for the past two years, Shariece has served as a mentor, training individuals on how to start their own credit repair companies, further amplifying her impact in the industry. Read More>>
Skylar Seigler
I have been lucky to photograph so much- portraits and milestones for families, events, Disney World, and more. While I don’t have a specialty, my favorite subjects are pets and livestock. I pride myself on being affordable and accessible. Photographers can be very expensive but I make it a point to offer my services at a lower price point so that I can capture memories for people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford photos. Read More>>
Mikhiya Wilson
During covid i decided to start asking my parents for money when i wanted to learn how to do nails, so every other week I was getting packages with nail supplies and practicing on my step sister and myself with acrylic nails. After high school, I had no clue as to what I wanted to do with myself, and when I turned 20, i decided it was time for me to go to cosmetology school and obtain my Master Cosmetology license because it was something I’d always been interested in and now at 22 I am officially fully licensed, and working from home, currently looking for a building to remodel & make my own full service salon. Read More>>
Ayla Nicole Chayil
Seed x Soul and The Garden Collective are the culmination of my experiences and struggles. It was born of a need to have sacred spaces of healing and community. And it was flowered with moments of resilience, growth, and a calling—a deep rooted desire to care for others, to honor the wisdom of Mother Nature, and to uplift our community with love and accessibility. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been nothing short of transformative. Read More>>
Christine Lu
No road to happiness or success is ever smooth. To be happy and successful, there has to be self awareness and inner reflection. To know who you are and to find an occupation that reflects who you are, can be difficult to find. There is, unfortunately, a lot of imposter syndrome in tattooing and I am guilty of having it. The struggle to fit into a predominantly white male industry continues. No hate; there are so many greats who have helped pave the way for women of color in tattooing. I am thankful to have been given the chance. Read More>>
Aquila Farrell
Maraval faced challenges like starting with limited funds, navigating print-to-order manufacturing, and building brand visibility in a competitive market. Balancing creativity with sustainability and inclusivity required resilience, but these struggles shaped Maraval’s identity—turning obstacles into opportunities to grow a bold, meaningful, and vibrant fashion brand. Read More>>
