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.
Jarvis Chaney
I understand that every kid won’t or can go to college but all deserve to be successful so we guide kids into entrepreneurship or trade schools as well as encourage them to be great. Jays impact was founded in 2018. We have kids that’s started their own business and we are currently mentoring them just as my mentor did for me before he passed. Everything for jays impact is free because that’s the way I received it . I also believe in giving back and have big heart for the homeless and less fortunate. I take my boys the last Friday of each month to feed the homeless the maintain our humbleness . Read more>>
Kerry Lee
Chinese dance has been part of my life for as long as I remember, because my mother Hwee-Eng Lee started teaching Chinese dance in Atlanta just after I was born and went on to found the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company in 1991. My relationship with the art form hasn’t always been simple though. Growing up if you told me that I would go on to co-direct Atlanta Chinese Dance Company with my mother and make a career of performing, teaching, and choreographing Chinese dance, I don’t think I would have believed you! Read more>>
Tyler Wallace
While year-end is typically a slow period for the industry, work usually picks back up in the new year. However, 2023 was different. Even before the Writers’ Strike officially began in May, the uncertainty surrounding it had already caused a slowdown. Productions were hesitant to start, and work became increasingly scarce. When the Writers’ Strike began in May 2023, followed by the SAG-AFTRA strike in July, the slowdown intensified. Although the Writers’ Strike ended in September and the actors’ strike in November, the impact on the industry was deep and lasting. Read more>>
Tolulope
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road like most journeys worth taking, it came with its fair share of struggles. One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been maintaining consistency. Balancing a 9-5 and being a content creator is something people talk about like it’s easy, but in reality, there’s no perfect balance, it’s a sacrifice. I had to learn to be okay with saying no to rest sometimes, pushing myself after work hours, and showing up even when I was exhausted, simply because I believed in the vision. Read more>>
Carlos Gutierrez
I was born in Durango, Mexico, and raised in Aguascalientes — a region that helped shape my curiosity and drive. My journey into technology started in elementary school, when I saw a computer for the first time. It was running Windows 95, and I remember being completely fascinated by what felt like magic at my fingertips. That early experience sparked something deep in me — a desire to understand how things work and how I could eventually build something of my own. Read more>>
Jen Burklow
It’s been really fun to see how my company has evolved over the years. When I started out I was doing a lot of custom painted wood signs in addition to candles. In 2017 I had reached the point where the candle side of my business had grown so much that I was ready to let the signs go and focus on candles entirely. Read more>>
Demetrius Noble
During this time I dropped my album “Sanity” after promoting this album I seen that while these states are dope we didn’t have much media coverage and drill wasn’t my lane. 2018 I moved to Atlanta to be get in the way of opportunity. Since moving here I have dropped a host of singles, dropped one album “Climate Change” and one EP “Anomaly”. Growing my fanbase from my prior two cities was only preparation for the next city. From performing open mics to entertain 60,000 people on fox 5 for the “Atlanta Look Up” July fourth festival amongst other things. I’m loading up to release an another EP Entitle “Red Letters” Summer 2025 please be on the look out. Read more>>
Kelly Trust
My mission is to help you reach your health and fitness related goals. After spending 5 years actively participating and helping others in bodybuilding, I have developed a wide range of knowledge of the sport. Beginning with utilizing the skills that my degree gave me, I continued to collect the proper formula for refining the physique of an athlete. From basic nutrition and weight-lifting guidance to full competition prep and intense physical therapy for injuries, I have a full scope of tips and tricks to share with my clients. Read more>>
Shamya Wilson
YaGraphix—“where we turn blank spaces into bold graphix”—is more than just a design brand; it’s a creative experience. I’m a graphic designer who specializes in advertising and branding for businesses. What I’m most known for is my bold, artistic, and uniquely creative design style. I don’t just create graphics—I create visuals that speak, stand out, and tell a story. Read more>>
Ebonie Vickers
Ga I never forgot a great friend of mine invited me to be apart of his podcast which is called Keeping It Real Fridays and sparked the light back in me that was dim, when I went on his show boy I was nervous but my ancestors spoke through me and I thank him for that. I started getting booked selling plates to different warehouses and I enjoyed it so much between working a full time job kids and my catering I keep a positive outlook that one day I will have my own restaurant or food truck. Read more>>
Vince Walch
In 2021, I relaunched Dirty Birds Lacrosse—an existing brand that had gone quiet during COVID. Through my connection with Coach Spotz and the Walton community, I saw an opportunity to revive the program and grow it into something special across the Atlanta Metro area. Like most small businesses, it started small. We hosted a few clinics, coached out of borrowed fields, and leaned into word-of-mouth to get our name out. What kept us going was our core mission: helping players fall in love with the game while building confidence on and off the field. Read more>>
Kimberly Hicks
I reached a glass ceiling I knew I would inevitably grow through. During that 10 year process I met someone who wanted to open a private salon, but knew nothing about grooming. We teamed up, I left said company, and at the end of 2018 we started our Spa Wags adventure in downtown Powder Springs! I took over the company solely in 2020, and it has been a blessing full of love, growth and lessons. The connections I’ve made with clients and their pets over the last 17 years has been a tremendous light in my life. I’m so grateful I was given a gift and opportunity to create a business around what I’m passionate about in a city I love. Read more>>
Alonah Robinson
I was depressed, out of shape, and hated my life and myself. Until one night i was doing uber ride-share. Out of nowhere a black BMW hit me so hard i completely lost control of my vehicle. When I realized i was alive i knew my life as i knew it was over. I was lucky to be alive. I was taking advantage of my life. I wasn’t using my abilities to the fullest possible potential. I was making excuses to continue to be miserable. After that day I left my toxic relationship, lost 60 pounds, and started heavily pursuing music and entertainment. Now i am proud to say I am happy. I love myself. I have found my identity and purpose. Life is beautiful and I will never let the negativity stop me from being the best version of myself ever again. Read more>>
Nicole Letts
When I decided to leave teaching to pursue writing, I knew I would need experience and clips, and while I was well into my career, I did not have any writing to show. I took an internship as a 30-year-old with a local fashion company. I would teach middle school all day then drive to midtown Atlanta to the basement of an office building to work on marketing emails, blogs, and social media. It gave me the experience I needed to change paths. Doing social media management and blogging to editorial contacts which lead to getting to write for huge publications like Southern Living. Read more>>
Shauna T
I launched my first t-shirt brand with no blueprint. No big following. No warehouse. No marketing team. Just a message that spoke to real women like me—women tired of playing small. That message connected, and I made $100K in my first year by showing up consistently, testing, tweaking, and most importantly—listening to what my audience needed. Read more>>
Stacey Geyer
I have my own style/ technique. I started out playing with different art mediums and it took over a decade to put it all together. I paint mostly abstract paintings with a hint of surrealism. I am not afraid of color, so you won’t see a lot of pale tones in my work. I put a lot of details in every painting so they look best when seen in person and not in photos. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished so far but I am still evolving as an artist and a human. Read more>>
Disciple Dee
I started rapping in high school with a group of friends we called our self DrettiPosse been rapping for over 20 years now i recently transitioned from secular music to rapping for Jesus Christ i was saved change and set free by Jesus Christ i used to be lost depressed and suicidal in 2021 I wanted to kill myself but Jesus saved me I was led to my church that I still attend today City Of God International Ministry and that is where Jesus made me new and changed my music all glory and praise to Jesus Christ Read more>>
Brandon Laylor
Music has been around me my entire life. My family always surrounded me as a kid with music. Especially at church with the worship of God. Since a child its been a passion of mine, so any opportunity I had to learn music I took it. All the way to studying to learn the violin , viola and cello. I am singer, rapper songwriter, actor and model as well. I love art in all forms. All the way around entertainer. Read more>>
Cheryl Paswater
I got my start dealing with my own health issues. My immune system was really struggling and I was constantly sick. At the time, I was finishing up graduate school in NYC and as soon as I graduated it was my body just crashed and after months of being bounced around doctors and not getting any answers other than “here is another steroid or here is yet another antibiotic” I turned to holistic medicine for help and short version is that I started to heal. Read more>>
Shannon Poole
In my adolescent years I’ve been in groups did vocals and wrote with and for other artists. After I married and had my first child, I got back to my music; creating a solo project, an ep called “Initiation” one of the singles made it on local radio in Chicago. Shortly after that I got into blogging, editing and YouTube content creating. This was before everyone was doing it and it was popular. I still did my music for a while and that at the same time while working. Read more>>
Taniyah Ariyah
Honestly, I Was An Outcast In My Friend Group Because I Was Darker And The Oldest Tbh. I Had This Love For Photography And Animals . My Upbringing Was Like Most People Just An Only Child. I Barely Had The Confidence Growing Up Because I Tjought People Did Honestly Like Me But That Was Just Me Growing Up In New Jersey But When I Moved To Atlanta You Can Say I Still Wasn’t Confident But Something About Seeing Different Black Influencers And YouTubers So That Gave Me The Boost To Branch Into Content Creating And My Boyfriend Helped Me Gain The Confidence Read more>>
Corey Cochran
My company, Major Label Marketing, is a digital promotions and music marketing agency that specializes in giving independent artists and brands the same tools, visibility, and strategy that major labels use—without the red tape. We focus on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Spotify growth, using ad campaigns, content strategy, influencer engagement, and real-time analytics to get our clients in front of the right audiences. Read more>>
Brandon Black
I was born in Brooklyn, NY and lived in Queens, NY until I was 12 years old. My parents relocated to Lithonia, GA at the time and so Georgia became my new home. I attended Salem Middle School for 8th grade after arriving in Georgia. Shortly after I started at Lithonia High School, where I would go for only one year. Miller Grove High School was built directly across the street from the apartment complex my family was living in, therefore I was apart of the first graduating class of Miller Grove High School. I played varsity basketball and ran varsity cross-country during my years at Miller Grove; graduating with the highest male GPA in the school at the time. Read more>>
Amber Renee
From experimenting in my bedroom to working professionally as a makeup artist, it’s been an amazing journey. I’ve gained extensive experience in the industry over the years, working with a diverse range of clients and constantly refining my skills. What started as fun and creativity turned into a career that allows me to empower others, help people feel confident, and express their beauty in their own unique way. I’m so grateful to be doing what I love every day. Read more>>
Nicolas Bailliache
I grew up surrounded by the hustle of my parents’ fishmonger business. They were entrepreneurs, and from the young age of seven, I was right there with them at the farmers’ market, helping sell fish. Those early experiences taught me the power of face-to-face selling and the importance of telling a compelling story to connect with customers. Read more>>
Calder Marria
Being an athlete I still had to balance the two so most of my cooking was in the late evenings after workouts, class, practice, and study hall. So I had late nights and early morning often. Eventually I decided that I wanted to do this as a career, so I got a internship shadowing the head chef in the main cafe on campus, where I learned so much stuff and even ran my own station during lunch. Being that I didn’t go to culinary school everything I learned was through experience and guidance. Read more>>
Scherita Vaughn
In 2023, after years of nurturing my understanding of human dynamics within organizations, I took a leap of faith and launched my own business. This was more than just a career move; it was a heartfelt mission to empower individuals and organizations alike. My goal is to create work environments where everyone can flourish, recognizing that employee support is as crucial as organizational success. Read more>>
Dr. Rasheema Caldwell
The gang violence wasn’t just background noise; it was the soundtrack of my adolescence. It was my mother, seeing the relentless challenges and the ever-present threat of violence, who made a decision that would change my life. She signed me up for college. I found myself at Florida A&M University, a world away from the streets I knew. But the challenges didn’t end there. During my college years, I became a mother. Balancing motherhood and academics was a Herculean task, and I nearly lost my place in school after getting caught up in a brawl among friends. Read more>>
Cerlisa Collins
There were moments when the pain felt endless. But even in the darkness, I chose to fight for my life, my peace, and my future. In the middle of all the chaos and heartache, I wrote my book, “I Will Survive,” not just to tell my story but to claim my victory. I refused to let my pain define me — instead, I used it to create purpose, hope, and proof that even the deepest wounds can heal into something powerful. Read more>>
Shanita
I didn’t have all the tools of getting there I was in between jobs I went through a few modeling and talent agencies but it didn’t work out it was not about helping me it was about money and I invested and it wasn’t good enough so I stopped I got discouraged but people who believed in me told me to keep going so I did independently I will get where I really want to be but right now I’m OK where I’m at I’ve got to work with great photographers had a chance to be in a few pageants be apart of a magazine and now will be apart of amazing fashion show coming soon so I’m happy Read more>>
Shae Wilbanks
Although having a business has its ups and downs, I have found that Photography comes pretty naturally to me. I started with no experience and had to Learn the camera settings all on my own. I would offer free photo sessions to get in some practice. Eventualy, I got better and better, as I became more accustomed to the camera itself I worked on improving my editing and researching the best way to achieve the look I wanted. I taught myself how to market my business and although it was a challenge at first, I kept posting my work and eventually the clients came. Many mistakes were made along the way but I seemed to be about to smooth them out fairly quickly. Read more>>
Justina Padia
For as long as she can remember her family always had a deep love for exquisite flavors and well crafted food. She took inspiration from baking alongside of her parents during her younger years and watching them too, create a hometown café from the ground up. She and her family have spent decades creating, testing, and perfecting recipes in the kitchen. That café will forever hold a special place in her heart for it brought her to where she is today. She is thrilled to continue sharing the love with the world through Arlowe’s Bakehouse and invites you to come to their table and share in the experience of the magic that awaits. Read more>>
Angela Crawford
ANGELA CRAWFORD “Ms. Hair Doctor”, she has created over 47 products relating to hair and beauty. Ms. Crawford is the Original Patent Creator of “Lace Closures, Lace Frontals, 360 Frontals, U-Part Wigs and Weaves, Easy Wigs-Weaves Caps and Sewing Machine made Wigs and Extensions.” Angela has worked with several celebrity clients, and her work has been featured on television shows such as EMPIRE, Americas Got Talent, VH1, BET, Bravo, and more. Angela’s work has been recognized in publications such as Vibe Magazine, Hair Sophisticate, and Hype Hair magazines. Read more>>
Antoinette Thomas
I’m a graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law, where I also earned a Master’s in Business Administration. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from Florida State University in Tallahassee. With over a decade of experience as a licensed attorney, I’ve practiced in several legal areas, including criminal prosecution, insurance defense, and real estate law. Today, I focus on what I love most—helping people navigate homeownership and property transactions. Read more>>
Stephanie Rodriquez
The short answer, no. The long answer, Hell NO! Every day, a new challenger was ready to ruin my production. If it wasn’t a rainy day for an outside shoot, it was a dead battery during the recording. Creating a schedule to work with everybody is always rough when you don’t have thousands of dollars to pay each person. When free food is no longer good enough, you have to get creative. I started to shorten my shoot days to ease the tension and make it better to work around conflicts. Read more>>
Nazar Bilukha
That facility used to be called International Tennis Academy (ITA) and had 14 tennis courts (2 clay, 12 hard – all outdoor). When we moved to Atlanta as immigrants from Ukraine in 2000 without much money, tennis was more of a recreational activity for my family. While my family couldn’t afford to pay to send me to the tennis program full-time, the owner of the facility at the time Dan Cassidy offered a “scholarship” to me where in exchange for helping out around the facility a bit he would let me participate in the programming. The junior academy program there was extremely strong with wonderful coaches and a strong track record of developing high-level talent and sending kids to college on tennis scholarships. Read more>>
Josh Johnson
As I continued posting, my interest expanded to different hair types and porosities. That’s when I realized it was time to create a formula to help my audience achieve great hair days—no matter the weather. To my surprise, my content also attracted real estate clients who connected with me through YouTube. I never expected both worlds to come together so seamlessly, but the ongoing support from my online community has shown me how much they truly appreciate what I do—and that means everything. Read more>>
Fuda
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—starting and growing Archetype Kulture Coffee Roasters has come with its fair share of challenges. In the beginning, balancing a full-time delivery job while building the business was tough. My days often started at 2:30 AM with delivery routes, followed by roasting, fulfilling orders, and managing operations until 5 PM. It required a lot of discipline and careful time management to keep everything moving. Read more>>
Yusuf Gray
Born and raised in Jackson, MS Yusuf grew up on the west side of Jackson. He played basketball all the way until his sophomore year of college. He tragically lost his father in April 2019 to gun violence. One visit to Atlanta in September of 2020 led him to an open mic where stand-up comedy hooked him. He moved to Atlanta, GA in December 2020 to hone his comedy skills in what most people consider the new Mecca of comedy. He is now a frequent host at Atlanta’s own Uptown Comedy Corner weekly. Some of his comedy influences are Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Dave Chappelle, and George Carlin. He has opened up for star studded comics such as Capone, Mark Curry, Chris Spencer and many others. Read more>>
Latasha Valeria McAlpine
I wrote a 31 day devotional entitled Run Toward Goliath a few years ago for adults and wanted to create something under the Run toward Goliath brand for children that was encouraging, educational, fun and inspirational. As a result, Run Toward Goliath the youtube channel was born. It is currently a small youtube channel that offers dance alongs, educational videos and a couple of web series. I try to upload a new video every 10-12 days. Read more>>
Gavo
I am an artist who has a versatile sound and own unique wave own vibes, I also engineer and mix all of my own music as well as a plethora of top artist that are out now, I run two clothing brands and a music group, most proud of my personal accomplishments and how much my art has grown and changed people around, I feel like I’m just a man that one for all, I make sure everyone around eats and I push everyone around to be something greater Read more>>
Jailyn Cade
At 18, I was known as Jaiminks, selling lashes locally all while working at US beauty mart. By the age of 20 i was the Purchasing Director of Us beauty mart corporations. While working at US beauty I began taking nails seriously. I loved becoming Jaidonails. It gave me purpose. Offering more than just a service-sometimes even playing the role of a counselor, brought me joy. Early 2024, I had the realization: it wasn’t just doing nails that fulfilled me. It was the glow on my clients’ faces when i finished- the confidence they carried walking out the door. Thats when I knew i wanted more, I wanted to impact more than just the 20 regulars i seen every month. I wanted to build something bigger- something beyond me. And that is the genesis of Jaunty and Inspiring. Read more>>
Kiana (Kiki) Mincey
Academically, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies with dreams of working in radio. Most of my internships were with local Atlanta radio stations. However, during my senior year, I took a production class that changed everything. We had the opportunity to create our own content, and I produced and directed a music video to Bruno Mars and Cardi B’s “Finesse.” That project sparked something in me—I fell in love with the process of taking a vision and bringing it to life. Read more>>
JAZZY ZOE
I experienced significant loss at a young age which shaped my resilience and drive. Despite the early loss of my parents I was determined to create a successful future for myself. I poured my energy into several different hustles such as Icy Palace my music career as Jazzy Zoe and currently learning how to fix airplanes. With hard work and perseverance I have been able to continue on these goals to achieve the success that I dream of. My drive to be a better person fuels my passion for music and entrenpenurship. And I believe that my experiences have given me a unique perspective that allows me to connect with people on a deeper level which is what I am currently doing with reels and other production ideas in the works. Read more>>
Kierra Reed
We weren’t allowed to wear colored hair, long nails, or piercings. I hated it—it felt like I couldn’t be myself. During college, I fell in love with lashes. I would be so late to class—or sometimes miss it altogether—because I was trying to get my eyelashes on just right and perfect my eyebrows. That’s what made me get into lashes! Ironically, it also played a part in me losing my financial aid for a semester. Read more>>
Kennedy Chanel And Kendra Clemons
Kennedy: My journey in the entertainment industry has been anything but conventional. It all began with a dream and an unyielding drive—both mine and my mother’s. Acting has always been my passion, but it was my mother, Kendra Clemons, who helped turn that dream into a reality. Growing up, I was always ‘talkative’, and while my family explored various activities—sports, dance, gymnastics—it wasn’t until we tapped into the crossroads of my love for reading and storytelling that I truly found my calling in acting. I started in theater, with my first role as Alice in Alice in Wonderland—and if I do say so myself, my British accent was spot-on! I was discovered at the Cynthia Bailey Modeling Agency’s acting and modeling competition when I was 9. Read more>>
Nichole Cook
Taking over the studio from someone who was not only a business partner but one of my best friends was both an honor and a challenge. She had such a vibrant personality, and the studio reflected every bit of who she was—her heart, her style, her presence. When it was time to pass the torch, I knew I wanted to continue the legacy she worked so hard to build, but I also knew I couldn’t simply try to fill her shoes. I had to find my own. Read more>>
Keyoni Jefferson
My journey started unexpectedly during my sophomore year at Tuskegee University, when I joined ROTC in search of connection. I was craving something deeper—a sense of purpose, structure, and community. What I found, in addition to that connection, was the foundation of my fitness path. At the time, I weighed under 95 pounds and had never really lifted weights. But after class, I’d train with my sergeants, and gradually, I started building not just muscle—but confidence and discipline. Read more>>
Keirstan Boykin
From a young age, Keirstan Boykin, known professionally as The Kiy, has been immersed in a world brimming with creative talent. A native of Mobile, AL, The Kiy was born into a family of musicians and performers, where creativity was as natural as breathing. Her mother is a singer, coming from a house of music where her grandfather was a DJ who later became a pastor, and her grandmother played the piano and sang in the church. Her grandfather could play any and every guitar — he even taught The Kiy how to play the bass guitar. Read more>>
DJ Bronzze
I started DJing when I was 16 years old! I started my sound company, Sounds of Dance in 2012. I started off DJing small parties after basketball games and birthday parties. Once I got to college, I started DJing on campus as well as local clubs in Florence, SC. After moving to ATL, I found my niche performing with bands! So, I travel with party bands DJing, dancing, and running sound. I’m also one of the sound engineers at my church, Encounter Atlanta. Read more>>
Mark-Jason Solofa
Nothing great comes without challenges or obstacles, and my journey to become a Barber or to experience the success I’ve had over my career has been no different. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was being 38 and entering a brand new career field in which I had no experience, alongside people who were much younger than me. Most of my peers were just out of high school, or in their early 20’s still navigating young adult life. The learning curve was steep for someone who’d spent 17 years behind a desk. Read more>>
Mernie Mendoza
I get to help people every single day in a meaningful way. Instead of curing people’s physical ailments, I get to help them heal their financial ailments. I am also honored to be an example for young women who are considering a career in financial services. I get to be that example I didn’t have growing up. Financial services has typically been a male dominated industry. A lot of things have changed over the last 2 decades, but women are still behind when it comes to financial literacy. This is why I am especially passionate about teaching financial literacy to women so they feel empowered. One of my favorite sayings is “empowered women empower women.” Read more>>
Kareem “Reemo Meerak” Tyson
He proceeds to tell me the fee to join is $30.00USD (Shiddddd I was spending that on lunch). Now, at the time I’m working at a high fashion women’s store in SoHo, and I was focus on my next pivot in life, “TO GET IN THE INDUSTRY”. Next Day, I take off work and head down to their office in midtown, took a photo, and paid the fee. Filled out some paperwork, and from there waiting to see if I would be casted on a projects. A couple of weeks go by, and I was casted for Law & Order:SVU. Now, I wasn’t a main or supporting actor. I was a Background Actor. Nonetheless, I was still hyped because it was a start in the right path and process of what I wanted. Over the years, I would get one liners, or minor roles on various projects. Read more>>
Franchesca
Although I will not share the full details on the horrors I survived through 17 years of extreme physical abuse, I will share he broke my neck. I suffered injuries requiring staples to close skull wounds. These injuries are ones that you can see, in the now, via an MRI or by looking at my face. What can’t be seen is the years of emotional abuse that kept me from telling on him, “if you ever tell anyone that I hit you, your sister will die.” I was eight. So, telling this story is the scariest thing the world to me because my physical trauma and emotional abuse still lives, in the now. By revealing this story, something I was told not to do, I truly hope to inspire and empower others who may resonate with my story. Read more>>
Amber Nevious
After serving in the Army, I discovered a new mission through the lens of a camera. Photography became a way to channel the discipline and perspective I gained during my service into something creative and deeply personal. As a mother to two adventurous boys and an avid equestrian, I’m constantly inspired by movement, connection, and the raw, real moments that tell a story. Whether it’s the quiet strength in a portrait or the wild grace of a horse in motion, I aim to capture the beauty that often goes unnoticed. Read more>>
Kelly Bryant
From a young age, I’ve always had a deep passion for travel, geography, and learning about cultures around the world. After high school, I knew that traditional college wasn’t the path for me, so I chose to attend travel school—a necessary step at that time for anyone seeking to enter the travel industry. While I wasn’t quite sure which direction I wanted to take, I knew I wanted to be part of a field that allowed me to explore the world in some way. Life, as it often does, took me on a different path. I got married, had children, and spent many years raising them while also working in various roles—from the trucking industry to a law office to teaching preschool. Read more>>
Caity Hare
Cryptid Creatives was begun from a desire to support artists and makers in sharing their creations and growing their businesses. As a child I loved the arts festivals in my hometown, making sure to visit every vendor stall and see all the different creations. I was always blown away and lifted by the talent and beauty in their work, and inspired to become a creator myself. After moving to Atlanta, I began hosting pop-up markets to support my own art and the work of awesome local makers I was meeting as I entered the community. From there, things grew, and now we host monthly events with a rotating selection of amazing local vendors. Read more>>
Rafay Syed
When I used to interview for software engineering roles, I would always wonder what would differentiate the interview process at one company versus another. I would scour the web for insights where I would visit websites such as Reddit, Blind and Glassdoor, but the process of gathering those insights would be chaotic. There wasn’t a single source of truth that would house these interview insights and have them structured in a way that would be easy to follow. Read more>>
Antony Robinson
I’ve worn many hats over the years – from a rapper honing my communication skills, to an executive producer learning the harsh realities of content creation and financial risk, to a financial coach developing my ability to guide and empower others, and even as an ordained minister deepening my understanding of spiritual principles and connection. I also spent time as a freelance video producer, gaining practical skills in content creation and storytelling. Read more>>
Erica Jones
Early on, I faced the challenge of gaining visibility and building credibility in art spaces that weren’t always welcoming or accessible. I’ve also had to manage the realities of burnout, working full-time jobs to support myself while still trying to pour energy into my creative practice. Space has been another ongoing challenge—having limited room to create, store, and display my work has sometimes made it feel like my art was overwhelming my life. Read more>>
Max Denev
I am the eldest sibling, first-generation, born to immigrant parents. A Mexican mother and a Bulgarian father. Spanish and Bulgarian are my first languages. I have been a performer ever since I can remember! I was in chorus as soon as I could sign up for it in 4th grade. I played trumpet in my middle school band. I was always in the choir at my church. And then I was in the theatre in high school. So when it came to what I wanted to major in college, acting was the obvious choice. I have also fallen in love with the art of filmmaking. I have done every role on a film set, acted, directed, produced, production design, even gaffer! Read more>>
Tabbie Sunshine
I sang there ONE song the only secular song that I knew ” killing me softly” at the Pizza BAR. That night changed my whole life. I went on to headlining at Apache before it moved and after it moved. I sing at Kats cafe, St James, and City Winery. One day while chatting with a friend who I didn’t know that well he said you should audition for the cruise line. So I did. That was in 2021. I have now completed 4 contracts since then and released my very first single ” YEAH YEAH YEAH” Singing is second nature for me and I do not take for granted that GOD gave the gift, Read more>>
Kennedy Westfield
My music talents started as a kid randomly free-styling with my older brother. This eventually turned into watching youtube videos on battle rap as a young teen. Occasionally free-styling on my school bus , our football team locker room, I would rap in my chorus class in middle school whenever our teacher left the room and wrote poems often. This all was put on pause after I got arrested for the first time and I started writing music. A repeated jail cycle , life struggles and stories from others made me realize I could help others from my music and that’s when I wrote “ I swear” one night in my bunk. The day I got out I went to the studio and the rest is history. Read more>>
April Smith
When the pandemic hit, I had already been laid off twice before in my career. And as the world shut down, I found myself asking some tough, honest questions: What if this happens again? Am I truly financially and mentally prepared? For years, I believed my degrees, certifications, and corporate career would keep me safe. I had done everything “right.” But in that moment, I realized my future was still in the hands of someone else’s decision. Read more>>
Robert Segura
My first real step into the industry came as a production assistant on TV shows like P-Valley on Starz and Long Slow Strokes on Spectrum. I made a promise to myself early on: say yes to everything. Every opportunity, every department, every late-night shoot—yes. That mindset allowed me to explore every corner of production: art direction, set building, assisting camera, audio, editing, producing, and eventually, directing. I learned the craft from the ground up. Read more>>
Yazmeene
Yes, my name is Yazmeene and my story first began when I was really young I was 9 years old when I learned that I had a talent for singing. My grandma always had a passion for the arts and was also really talented so she helped me find my talents.Once she saw that I had sang this one particular song with her she was shocked by it. she told everyone after that. She realized that I enjoyed it as much as she did. And wanted to push me to do more with it. Ever since then I never stopped singing or making music. I also participated in many choirs at school , joined the St. Louis children Choir around that time which was hard to get into. Even tried a couple piano lessons. While also having my family by my side helping me Read more>>
Alessandra Pizzorni
I was at a previous role for four years saving to go abroad after graduating from the University of Georgia with a business degree. I resigned from the role and went to Europe for 32 days. When I returned I decided to give social media a chance and part of my content included martinis. The savory martini has since taken off and I am lucky to have been apart of it from the start. Read more>>
Jesse Battaglia
Our goal is to give the most value out of our client’s dollar, and even push their perception of what could be possible for their home. Recently we have been getting into the custom home building realm as well. Designing a home from the ground up allows our creativity to really spread its wings. I still enjoy creating things with my hands, just like on the farm, but now I get to do it on a grander scale! Read more>>
Travis & Audrey Thun
For the first couple of years I only made a small selection of flavors and only did a few shows throughout the year. Then in the spring of 2022 I met Audrey at a festival in Braselton. We started dating and she showed a strong interest in the products and immediately starting helping me at festivals. She noticed how much people loved the jams and encouraged me to apply to more shows and grow the business. Together we came up with even more flavors and she helped me stay organized through it all. In early 2023 we decided to start blending our own loose-leaf teas since that was one of Audrey’s passions. Read more>>
Stacy Suvino
From there, I became a creative director of a 100 year old department store in Tulsa, Oklahoma by the name of Miss Jackson’s. I was able to test ideas there and have a great deal of creative freedom while refining my skills and expanding my knowledge. Myself and my colleague, Rachel, designed and implemented art driven window installations. We also decorated and merchandised the interior of the store and took on all photo shoots and fashion campaigns. This was the first time I took ideas that weren’t within the confines of a window and expanded the stage I created on. Read more>>
Joshua Gomez
After more than a decade in that world, I felt the pull to build something of my own. That led to the creation of Power Fix Solutions, a company focused on bringing wellness and convenience into high-stress environments like law enforcement offices, government buildings, and now, luxury residential communities. We specialize in fully-managed micro markets that offer 24/7 access to healthier snacks, beverages, and essentials—making people’s day-to-day lives just a little easier. Read more>>
Raquel Dawson
My ride was t smooth at all! I never wore makeup lol I was a real tomboy so applying makeup to my Atlanta clients was very challenging because back in New Orleans we didn’t wear makeup like I was seeing in Atlanta m. Baby the girl were not playing lol. So it took me about 2 years to really feel confident in providing that service to my Atlanta clients! Because I had no clue what I was doing. If the service took 30 mins it was taking me a hour! The clients would say I don’t see anyone on my face and I would be looking like how lol Read more>>
