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.
Sra Media
In Chicago Brooke and Khayla connected over their shared interests. Brooke was interested in docuseries and storytelling, and we started talking about the stories that often go untold. Khayla was already writing articles about different organizations but wanted to take it further by interviewing the owners and showcasing their work, telling their stories. Read more>>
A.E. Williams
From a freelance career to a full-on editorial firm, A.E. Williams Editorial has grown significantly over our five years. We now serve five publishing houses (including a Big 5 publisher) and independent authors all around the world. The company started with me and has grown to a team of six: two junior editors, two interns, and an administrator. I’m proud of the work we’ve been able to do. Read more>>
Da’von Wildy
My path has not been a smooth road because of many obstacles I faced throughout my life. One struggle that I have faced along the way was being in the company of toxic and negative people in which hindered my growth as a person. While being around toxic people I started to develop a negative outlook on life which made me have self doubt in myself. Another struggle I faced in my life was having to go through depression. While going through depression I was having many wild thoughts and having little to no energy to do things that I normally enjoyed doing. All in all, with the help of God, my mother, and friends I was able to get help with the obstacles I was facing. Read more>>
Gherman Stelian
After that, someone gave me a chance as a structural designer. Looking back, it wasn’t a great job, but compared to construction, it felt like I hit the jackpot. While working as a designer, I was able to transfer my college engineering credits from my home country Romania and went back to school to finish my undergraduate degree. In 2008, when the recession hit, I lost that job, but instead of being discouraged, I took more classes and completed my degree earlier than planned at Southern Poly. During my senior year, I was hired by a major electric company where I worked as an engineer for the next 13 years. During that time, I also completed my MBA at UGA. Read more>>
Stella Love
We also provide groceries to single parents who request help. We have helped people internationally by sending food to countries like the Gambia. We gave school supplies to children in the United States as well as internationally (i.e., Belize). What we are proud of is that we can consistently give people hope and security that they can depend on Stella Love NON-PROFIT whenever they are struggling. In the future, we hope to expand our aid to various states in America. Another plan is to build an orphanage to help children who have no place to go and help them complete their education so they have a chance to make a better life for themselves. Read more>>
Aunt Debb
I recently retired from USDA after 37 years! I plan on pursuing The Aunt Debb Show full time now. I am known for my interviews that showcase our young Kings & Queens talents, businesses and accomplishments. I have also done “Red Carpet” media at The Black Music Honor Awards, Stellar Awards, BeeTV Awards, New York Fashion Week and many local community events, such as beauty pageants & festivals. I am most proud to have given some of the master minds their first interview and then watch them excel!! I always say “You don’t have to be a star to be on my show but you will always shine!” That sets me apart from most. Read more>>
Queteria Kinnebrew
One of my biggest challenges came when I became the owner-operator of a franchised brokerage. I poured my time, energy, and resources into growing the brand, trusting people and their vision, only to find myself in a position where those decisions led to me losing everything. That experience taught me a hard but valuable lesson: always protect your own vision and work with people who are genuine, trustworthy, and not driven by narcissism. Read more>>
Tiffany Lawrence
I started small, supporting families one-on-one, but my passion grew, leading me to create Motherly Touch Childbirth Services, where I provide doula support, childbirth education, and lactation consulting. Over the years, I’ve expanded—traveling to teach, developing research-backed courses, and now assisting at a birthing center. Read more>>
$kooby D
I went back to Atlanta, Ga in search of inner peace and to hopefully get around some people who can convince me to stay on the right track because it was hard giving up everything. When I got there I was introduced to a few other artist who made me a firm believer in there is something better for everybody and I felt as if once again that I had a purpose. Did I find inner peace, no haha, but I did come to an understanding on what it is I’m suppose to be doing and it is just this. So to answer the question on how I got to where I am today it was finding my purpose and figuring out who I AM. Finding you can help you find your purpose. Read more>>
Carolyn Maselli
My journey in interior design started when I was in my early 20s working for a local Atlanta design designer. After starting my family with three amazing children, I decided to journey out on my own. My husband and I started flipping houses 2001 giving me a great understanding into the process of design and construction. In 2016, I started my independent design business, English living design, since that time, I have continued to do interior design, specializing in renovations, new construction, and soft furnishings, known today as Maselli Interiors which is the exclusive design firm for KJ Luxury Homes. Read more>>
Jachrista Bell
As stated in my previous ATL Voyage article in 2022, my love and passion for makeup started at an early age. Not being allowed to wear makeup until the later years of high school made me a bit rebellious. My mom wasn’t having that—wearing makeup in the 9th and 10th grade? No ma’am. She wouldn’t even let me wear acrylic nails until the 11th or 12th grade. So, I would “play” in makeup at home, but I couldn’t wear it out. I would watch a YouTuber named Nitra B slay her makeup and emulate her. She was really my inspiration. And when I found out that she was from Alabama like me, that really drove me to keep going. Read more>>
Prodiguer Luxe
What truly sets us apart is our dedication to create gorgeous looks that could be customizations, collaborations with artists, eco-friendly initiatives, etc.]. We’re not just about selling clothes; we’re about creating an experience and telling a story through every garment. Our customers are more than just buyers—they are part of a community that values both style and substance. Read more>>
Jazz Pinkney
But my passion extends beyond teaching. I also craved the authentic flavors of my Philadelphia upbringing, those comfort foods that truly felt like home. That’s how Jazz’s Kitchen Comforts’ Taste of Philly—soon to be rebranded as Homegirl’s Deli—came to be. I wanted to bring the true taste of Philly to Georgia, a taste I felt was missing. Yes, there are other cheesesteak spots, but mine is 100% authentic, crafted by a genuine Philly native. I’m proud to say I’m bringing a piece of my hometown to Georgia, and I’m happy to be known as ‘The Queen of Philly Cheesesteaks.’ It’s about sharing my love for food, my culture, and empowering others to find their own culinary confidence. Read more>>
Andrea Tinson
The road has not been smooth. Although I have many successes in life, I have always struggled to know if I’m doing the right thing for myself. I received my bachelor’s of Science at Columbus State University but the entire time, I knew I wanted to get my esthetics license. Now that I have my esthetics license, I often wonder and go back and forth about what type of esthetician I want to be. Read more>>
Belee Kaur
Finances were one of the biggest hurdles. Studio time, equipment, marketing—it all costs money, and as an independent artist, I had to fund everything myself. There were times I had to choose between paying rent and booking a session. I worked odd jobs, sacrificed social outings, and lived on a tight budget just to keep my music alive. Read more>>
Antania Mack
Since a child, I have always thought of ways I can empower women. My mother always taught me that there was no better thing to do than to uplift and support other women. When I was around 23, my brilliant finance gave me the idea of starting my own business. Not only a business, but doing eyelash extensions. With proper training and a lot of hard work along with dedication, I worked day in and day out to truly master my craft. I can confidently say, I feel as though I have accomplished a very fulfilling career in doing so. Read more>>
Alfred Harris
The inspiration for Game Fusion Events came from a personal experience with my 8-year-old son’s birthday. He wanted a celebration centered entirely around video games—no elaborate themes, just pure gaming fun with his friends. As a parent, I aimed to fulfill his wish without overspending. However, I found that existing gaming services were either too costly, limited in space, or lacked the flexibility for in-home setups, especially when we had ample space to host indoors. Read more>>
Jason Heath
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road, but I think that’s just part of building something meaningful. When we truly kicked Broadway on Bankhead off in October 2024, we had the vision, the passion, and the talent, but getting the word out was a challenge. We’re a small, family-run theatre company in a city with so many entertainment options, so making sure people knew about us—and understood what we were trying to do—at times has felt like an uphill battle. Read more>>
Shaya Taghechian
Even today, urology remains a male-dominated field. Only about 11% of urologists are women, which I still find fascinating. Female physicians are no longer a novelty in medicine or surgery, yet somehow, urology has resisted this shift. Why? Do people assume urology is just for male patients? Because that’s absolutely not the case. Urology deals with the entire genitourinary system, regardless of gender. As a urologist, I don’t just treat erectile dysfunction—I also treat urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, recurrent UTIs, kidney stones, and cancers of the bladder and kidney, all of which affect both men and women. Read more>>
Claire Li
As my audience continued to grow, brands finally started partnering with me, and video creation became my full-time job. Over the years, I produced hundreds of videos. Each time a viewer successfully recreated one of my recipes, I felt an immense sense of joy. For some, my videos became their introduction to baking—just as that first freshly baked cookie had been mine. Even though I was self-taught, this journey taught me the importance of lifelong learning and the spirit of exploration. Read more>>
Mocha
I’ve also been focusing on expanding my network by connecting with other entrepreneurs and industry professionals to gain insights and new opportunities. Managing finances carefully has been crucial, as every investment I make directly impacts the growth and sustainability of my business. Despite the challenges, I find joy in seeing my hard work pay off and in the positive feedback from clients who appreciate my services. To stay motivated, I set clear goals and regularly celebrate small milestones, which helps me stay focused on long-term success. Ultimately, my passion for what I do keeps me pushing forward, even when obstacles arise. Read more>>
Donel Fernandes
While volunteering here and communicating with both students and teachers, Donel learned about some of the mis-fortunes the inhabitants of the Favela community face. With the help of his friends and family he was able to raise money that was used to purchase a bevy of new goods such as clothing, learning materials, hygienic products and toys for the children attending the school . This action sparked the brain child for Favela Fashion. Desiring to do more, Favela Fashion was created to be a brand that not only represents the inhabitants of the Favela communities but also benefits them. Donel pledges that a portion of all proceeds made from purchases will be redistributed within not only 1 Favela community in São Paulo, but Favelas throughout the beautiful country of Brazil. Read more>>
Adeisia Vaughan
During my time at Marriott, I took advantage of my company travel benefits and pursued my dreams of traveling the world. This was the start of my addiction to traveling and exploring to see new places and learn about different cultures around the world. After 15 months working for Marriott, the pandemic hit and I was furloughed for 10 months, and later laid off from the company due to major cuts in the employment infrastructure. This layoff was a blessing in disguise, and pushed me to pursue social media marketing and I started creating content full time. Read more>>
Sarah Mcgarl
There have been challenges along the way. In 2019, the Department of Labor ruled that consignment sales could no longer operate with volunteers. As a result, I had to adapt by transitioning to W-2 seasonal employees and learning all the relevant employment laws. Today, we have a team of 95 seasonal employees. Read more>>
Akili Yasmine
In addition to my personal work, I’ve teamed up with my friend and fellow model, Keyonna Singletary, to co-found *MUSE*, a collective that hosts retreats for women in the creative and healing space. Through these retreats, we provide a sanctuary for women navigating demanding industries, helping them cultivate self-love, wellness, and balance in both their personal and professional lives. Our goal is to create a community where women feel supported, nourished, and empowered to show up as their fullest selves. Read more>>
Kimberly Bartlett
Following nearly 20 year careers in TV news (me) and Technology sales (my co-founder), we suddenly turned our attention to our growing families and our homes. Being the CEO of the house proved inefficient, slightly chaotic and left us desperate for trusted resources to run our busy lives (think plumbers, paediatric dentists, dog groomers, tutors etc.). Our needs were constant and we felt overwhelmed by the noise, rants and lack of intimacy on huge neighborhood social sites. Read more>>
Ariel Anderson
I had a passion for not only dancing and modeling, but also fashion, interior design, the fitness industry, visual effects and more. Any reason to create or make something visually appealing count me in! If I am known for anything I would say maybe my fitness content that is steered towards dancers. I am currently working on getting my personal training certification so I can specifically train and help other dancers continue to grow their skills outside of the studio. My ability to combine two major passions of mine is something that sets me apart since this is something I feel the dance industry is missing. Read more>>
Erik Bothazy
After moving to St. Louis, P.R.E.A.C.H. quickly became interested in music — hip-hop especially. I started recording his own songs when he was fourteen and has since independently released over 12 albums. Summer of ’93 is really when I got introduced to the music realm around me. It was through a music channel called The Box. That’s when I really fell in love, especially with hip-hop. I’m a fan of everything, but hip-hop really took over in ’93. Read more>>
Shanti Sylvester
Starting a business from the ground up, especially as a self-funded entrepreneur, has come with challenges, from securing resources to building brand awareness in a competitive industry. However, my dedication to my vision, along with the incredible support from my community, has fueled my journey. Since launching, Mode718 has gained momentum, forming partnerships with artisans and manufacturers worldwide, collaborating with creatives, and earning recognition in the fashion space. Read more>>
Rasheeda Rhonda Jacobus
Tranquility was never just about selling products—it was about building something that truly serves our people. I wanted to create a space where culture, spirituality, and holistic healing could come together naturally. A place where Black people could walk in and feel themselves and their culture were seen, valued, and understood. That’s why I infuse intention into everything—from the crystals and healing tools to the atmosphere and the energy that fills the space. Every product, every event, every interaction is about empowerment. This is my way of giving back, of creating something lasting, of leaving behind a legacy rooted in healing, wisdom, and love. Read more>>
Samantha Fitzgerald
My journey has blended creative passion with my love of entrepreneurial pursuits. For the past 8 years, I’ve worked as an actress and model, while helping entrepreneurs build and expand their businesses. I’ve always been drawn to the business world. The world of fashion, performance, and storytelling has shaped much of who I am, and I’ve loved every moment of it. But I’ve also had a deeper interest in the practical side of life, which eventually led me to finance. While I’ll always love fashion and acting and will never turn away from being creative, I still felt the pull to learn more about the monetization of things and how I could apply my skills differently. Read more>>
Nina Gonzalez-rubio
In 2020, I graduated with my Associate’s degree in Studio art and then attended Georgia State’s Atlanta campus in 2021. Once I started working toward my bachelor’s degree, a world of opportunity and challenges opened up to me. At first, finding my way through the Atlanta art scene was difficult, but once I started making friends and getting to know the professors, I started learning how to apply to exhibitions, residencies, and other opportunities. Since then I have been in many group exhibitions, became an artist assistant for one of MOCA GA’s fellowship recipients and I am currently attending my first artist residency. Read more>>
Isabella Robinson
Beyond travel, my mission has always been rooted in service. I believe in using my platform for impact, whether through monthly donations to the Texas Innocence Project, which provides legal services to the wrongfully incarcerated, or funding the University of Texas at Arlington’s Emergency Assistance Fund, which once supported me during my undergraduate years. As a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., I’ve also been hands-on in initiatives like Operation Big Bookbag, donating school supplies, participating in the St. Jude Walk, and volunteering at local food banks. Read more>>
Brittany Wade
Since I was 12 years old, I have been involved in hairstyling in some shape or form. Although I knew I wanted to turn my passion for hair into a career, the path wasn’t always clear. After experiencing dissatisfaction in various jobs, I discovered my love for maintaining locs. What started as a side hustle has blossomed into a thriving business. Founded in 2021, in the wake of the tragic passing of my best friend, True Locs honors the memory of Tre through its mission and name. My love for my job and the joy of servicing my clients keep me motivated and inspired every day. Read more>>
Iva Massa
Over the years, I’ve worked as a Wellness Coach, Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, and Nutrition Coach in gyms, fitness studios, and at a country club, where I developed the MuscleUp — a 8-week strength training program dedicated to helping women achieve their fitness goals and feel confident when they workout at the gym. In the last two years I have done nutrition challenges that not only focus on losing weight, but also every week we had a different topic, a goal and a new habit to help the participants to learn new habits and tools that will help them after the challenge was completed. I’ve also worked with tennis players, helping them boost their strength and enhance their movement. Read more>>
Dr. Sherry Couch
I was born in Chester, PA, At age 9 my entire family on both sides moved to Atlanta, GA. I matriculated through school in Atlanta graduating in 1985 from Westwood High School, now Westlake High School and also being a Triple Alum from Clark Atlanta University graduating with a B.A., M.A., and EdD. My grandparents and parents all were entrepreneur and I too have that in my blood. I opened my first business in 4th Grade when I use to sell candy to my classmates until I was sent to the Principal’s office! Read more>>
Zhareia Smith
After high school, I joined the Army National Guard to assist me in funding my college education. Once I completed basic training, my journey led me to Clayton State University, where I pursued a bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a minor in Psychology. During my senior year in 2021, the idea for Meyundi Myxes was born. It all started with selling punch pouches out of my dorm room, where I experimented with crafting unique and flavorful signature drinks that are still staples of my business today. Read more>>
Dustin Croft
It was through this experience that I discovered the world of cosplay, and I was immediately hooked. Since then, cosplay has become my top hobby, and 15 years later, it’s still a huge part of my life. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many incredible people, and through cosplay, I’ve been able to continuously develop new skills and express my creativity in ways I never imagined. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, and I can’t imagine my life without it. Read more>>
Josie Weethee
In today’s world, everything revolves around social media and keeping up with the latest trends. Unfortunately, I find it challenging to put myself out there and create content that resonates with a broad audience. To help with this, I pattern test for other crafters. This is a process where designers have others (testers) make a project using a draft pattern and provide feedback on the pattern’s clarity, accuracy, helping designers identify and correct issues before releasing the final pattern. Once it’s released the testers get recognized which not only helps me gain new followers but also showcases the flexibility of my skills. Read more>>
Northstar Jade
For the most part yes but bumps definitely come along. Depending on your journey, you can stuck in your head on why it hasn’t been your turn yet, you can run into bad people who don’t have your best interest, and all around sometimes you have those days where you can’t come up with anything. With all this I always encourage my fans to keep the road bright and instilled in their mind. It’s been many times I almost let this consume me but once I relaxed and stepped back my blessings came and now I’m getting more and more established Read more>>
Raxx Gottiar
No, this road has many different challenges, you really have to believe in what you’re doing in order to stay focused on your goals. There are struggles with staying consistent especially when your Buzz starts to get quiet, also the financial part of the game is quite stressful if you’re not booking shows. Therefore it important to market yourself by being creative with content. Relevance is Key!!! Read more>>
Carmean Matthews
I currently work as a literacy coach in which I work with middle school teachers supporting them in lesson planning, instructional strategies, and implementing data into their instruction. I do TheGoods on the side and I am know for my specialities chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and cheesecakes. I am also know for my annual vegan brunch. Each year I host a vegan brunch around Mother’s Day. People look forward to this event every year. This year will be the 5th annual. Read more>>
Terella Williams
Rella’s Boutique is the one I decided to go after. Years ago my husband purchased a dress for my birthday, it didn’t fit well so I returned it. As I’m walking around this store( it was a business in a house) I loved the vibe. I said oh I like this, I can do a Ladies Boutique( instead of a consignment store I’d thought of). I begin Rella’s Boutique in my garage doing FB live, going to pop ups part time as I still worked.I left my job and pursued Rella’s Boutique full time for a year. Looked for a space where customer could actually come. So I came across the space I’m currently at. Read more>>
Cierra Smith
To further her marketing expertise, Cierra is a brand ambassador and has worked with over 20 brands building strong business relationships while also promoting each business/brand with integrity, value, great quality, contribution and profit to the each business/brand. Dedication and consistency are qualities that Cierra are known for as being apart of the entrainment industry as she is always open to opportunities that will further her in inspiring the people around her. Read more>>
Antonio Benton
My name is Antonio Jarard Benton, but most people—especially my family—call me AJ. I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA, and my love for music was sparked at an early age by my father. He was the personal bodyguard for Larry Blackmon of the legendary group Cameo, as well as many other artists throughout the ’80s and ’90s. Through him, I got my first taste of touring life, and that experience left a lasting impression on me. Read more>>
Nakeidra Robinson
The journey hasn’t been easy, but I take responsibility for that. I’ve struggled with self-doubt, wondering if I’m good enough and feeling like quitting. I’ve laid awake, questioning God and asking if this is my true path. Yet, every time, the next day would bring new opportunities. I’ve learned that my focus on others and their success blinded me to my own progress and that what I’ve wanted years earlier is what I have right now . Read more>>
AJ Jensen
For seven years, I struggled with severe agoraphobia—crippling panic attacks that kept me from leaving the house. Eventually, I had enough and decided to take control through exposure therapy. One of my biggest challenges was simply sitting in a restaurant. I’d get dizzy, panic, and leave. To cope, I was encouraged to journal while I was there—but instead, I found myself looking around, noticing people and their unique faces. That’s when I started sketching them. Read more>>
Amber Williams
I am a couture dress designer who specializes in gowns, birthday dresses, pageant dresses and bridal. Im most known for exclusive custom birthday dresses and prom gowns. What sets me apart is my ability to make curvy women get the perfect fit to their looks. A lot of my clients are really curvy, had BBLs, or have wide hips and small waists. That can make it more difficult to get the perfect fit to your clothing, which is why my clients choose me as their designer. Also what sets me apart is my willingness to go above and beyond to achieve a look. Read more>>
Lyndsey Schneider
When I experienced postpartum anxiety disorder again with the traumatic unplanned c section birth of my third child, that’s when everything clicked for me. I felt the anxiety hitting me like a ton of bricks, but I knew exactly what was happening this time. I overhauled my life even more that summer: I started journaling again, spent more time in nature, worked with an amazing energy healer, and made a silent commitment to meditate every single day for at least 30 minutes. Read more>>
Harley Pogue
I took the path not taken- I didn’t finish my education. I was raised in a single parent home and after COVID finances became tight. Unfortunately my education was entirely too much of a burden for us and I’d lost my spark for it after getting a taste of the working world. Despite not getting a traditional 4 year degree, I’ll always sit in a seminar or an informational meeting. In December of 2023, I welcomed the sweetest baby boy and while it made work bumpy for a while, he’s now my reason to keep going! Read more>>
Brianna Burgess
Determined to forge my own path, I embraced the artistic talents bestowed upon me by a higher power, such as drawing and a flair for creativity. This led me to venture into the world of fashion, culminating in the creation of Destined Greatness Apparel. Our brand ethos, “the only thing standing between you and greatness is you,” serves as a poignant reminder that one’s circumstances should never define their destiny. Through our clothing, we strive to empower individuals with the belief that they are not bound by their current situation. Read more>>
Gloria Mencer
It hasn’t been smooth along this journey. I’ve been running this company alone since I was 19 although I get overwhelmed with having to service an ample amount of customers I never let it knock me off my feet. I stand firm on my customer service so I make sure I communicate with my customers through the full process of fixing their phone although that that can be frustrating. I also work a part time job which also take away time from my business but is made up in overtime for ensuring my customers a great experience! I go over and beyond for my customers because I know how inconvenient it is to be without your cellular device. Read more>>
Winslyn Parrish
In 2021, I faced the unfortunate loss of my mother, a turning point that solidified my dedication to health advocacy. Today, as the reigning Miss Black Atlanta USA, I proudly carry forward my platform, “Your Health, Your Crown,” striving to make healthcare information accessible, relevant, and understandable within the Black community. My journey has been deeply personal, driven by family legacy, resilience, and a passion for meaningful change. Read more>>
Christopher Jessup
My music is released on GRAMMY® Award-winning label Navona Records and my works are published by Noten Roehr Frankfurt. I’ve received numerous awards and accolades, including the American Prize in Composition, a National Sawdust BluePrint Fellowship, a Global Music Award, and two Clouzine International Music Awards. As a pianist, I’ve concertized at notable venues across the globe, including nearly a dozen performances at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall. I’ve also appeared as a soloist with orchestras in North America and Europe. In addition to performing recitals of standard classical repertoire, I frequently premiere my own works as well. Read more>>
Josiah Agnew
I carried this mentality into my adult life and it grew with me. The love for being able to turn nothing into something became more of an art form, a form of artistic expression. My Style of careless cleanliness landed me my first runway opportunity in November of 2024. The Young Atlanta 24” Fashion Show By gloabal designer @Hollyandroo. This was the beginning of what I didn’t know would become a career for me. Read more>>
Taveon Robinson
Taveon Robinson, a 17-year-old gospel artist hailing from Macon, Georgia, is quickly emerging as a distinctive voice in the music scene. With a passion for blending the soulful rhythms of R&B with the uplifting messages of gospel, Taveon creates music that resonates deeply with his audience. His unique sound is characterized by heartfelt lyrics, powerful vocals, and a deep-rooted commitment to his faith. Read more>>
Lauryn J
A little bit of brow action, mascara, and the right shade of concealer And just like that, she took me from a solid 0 to a full-on hero —at least on the outside. And while it didn’t erase my pain, it gave me a way to mask it. Makeup became my shield, and my way to get through the hardest time of my life. I wore my fake smiles and painted faces all the way through high school, prom, graduation—and even became a first-generation college student. Looking back, I realize that makeup wasn’t just about looking good—it was about finding the strength to keep going. Read more>>
Lady Raw
Starting at the age of 12, I’ve had over a decade to develop my craft. I perform under the name Lady Raw. My work has been featured in publications like Source Magazine, 24 hip-hop plus many more. Collaborating with Bow Wow on “Swap” is a significant achievement. The track was released on January 8, 2022, as part of the “Arcane Music Compilation” album.  My collaboration with Bow Wow, along with my song “Swap” charting on iTunes in Belgium, highlights my growing influence in the music industry. Additionally, my song “Swap” is available on Spotify, allowing fans worldwide to enjoy my work. I got to where I am today because of my hard work, dedication and the love I have for music. Read more>>
Colette Collins
My name is Colette Collins, and I’m a proud Atlanta native. I’ve pursued art and design my entire life and really decided to go all in when I graduated college with a degree in graphic design. From there, I started taking photography classes and was hooked immediately. My background includes photography, graphic design, fine arts, mural design and installation, special effects makeup, event planning, social media management, digital marketing, and architecture & engineering. Read more>>
Lindsi Odum
Over the past seven years, I’ve photographed more than 30 artists across multiple states and venues, even hitting the road for two and a half weeks on tour with Halocene and AlphaMega. Along the way, I expanded into music journalism, serving as a staff writer for Cowboy Lifestyle Network from 2019 to 2022. Now, I combine my love for photography and storytelling as a photographer and writer for Melodies n Memories Music Media (2022–present), capturing the raw energy of live performances and sharing the stories behind the music. Read more>>
Mathew Baum
From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to team sports, where the thrill of collaboration and working towards a common goal became an integral part of who I am. Growing up, I loved being part of something bigger than myself, where every play, every effort counted toward a shared victory. This passion for teamwork led me to play college soccer at the University of Kentucky, and later, I had the opportunity to take my game overseas, honing my skills and deepening my commitment to success within a team dynamic. Read more>>
DJ Zoo
I don’t box myself into one sound or style. I love experimenting, creating new vibes, and making people feel connected, whether I’m DJing or hosting. For nearly a decade, I’ve been a staple in the Atlanta nightlife scene, playing in legendary spots like Encore, Republic, Alibi, and Oak, as well as iconic hood clubs like Chit Chat, Veloure, and KISS. I’m also known for curating a chain of legendary house and creative connect parties under the name Zoovie—bringing people together through music and energy. Read more>>
Edward Bryan
I found myself in a place of life that I wanted more. My thinking was different than other kids in the neighborhood. Yes because of my upgrading with a single mother always working to provide for us. I felt it was my need to do my part. So through high school I worked as a grocery bag boy and a pizza maker for Papa John’s. Once I graduate high school I decided to join the active duty army. After getting out the army in 2006, I joined the Georges army National Guard. That’s why I continue my entrepreneurship dreams and goals. Read more>>
Marlena Williams
I am Master Cosmetologist and I truly have a passion for beauty ,health , fitness , and life itself . I truly started at a young age . I am a southern bell who was born in Atlanta ,Ga . No i am not a Grady baby . 
I am still a homegrown peach . I grew up in a 2 parent home for a little while and my dad ended up not being able to come back home and that’s when reality hit me and I was only 7-8 years old and start when I realize that I had to learn how to take care of my self because life got real . As moving forward with life I was always into beauty , fashion and I always love dancing and camera . Read more>>
Mykel T Brooks
When I first launched Nomad Recordings in Tallahassee at 19, I was doing it all—booking studio time, engineering sessions, marketing, and trying to balance finances—without a real blueprint. I was also still in college at Bethune-Cookman, so managing classes on top of running a label taught me discipline fast. Securing a distribution deal with Universal was exciting, but it brought bigger expectations. When I moved from Florida to Atlanta, I had to rebuild my entire network—pitch myself to new artists, show labels I could deliver, and stay on top of the paperwork that comes with major deals. Read more>>
Merritt Cloud
I currently run my business solely through social media to avoid the fees that go along with websites. I’ve made sales in 40 states and multiple countries, and I’m so passionate about using my business and my platform to share what I believe through beautiful pieces that can be used in everyday life. Read more>>
Rustin Yasavolian
I originally set out on a different path, studying Finance at Georgia State, thinking Wall Street might be in my future. But life has a funny way of guiding you where you’re meant to be. On days I wasn’t in class, I found myself back in the store, helping clients, learning the craft, and falling in love with the artistry behind fine jewelry. What started as a way to lend a hand turned into a true passion for both entrepreneurship and design. Read more>>
