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.
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>>
Tori Augustus
So, I’m Tori Augustus. I’m living in a full circle moment, as I am a wife & mom of 2 raising my family in my birthplace of Atlanta, Georgia. I always tell people God is so intentional. He blessed me with two boys in the home, knowing that I would grow into my passion work with serving women through education & empowerment. I always attribute my understanding of the impact of women in community to my strong family ties. Being the oldest of 3 girls, our parents always emphasized that our relationship will be one of the most important relationships in our lives. Read more>>
Ifie Natasha Brandon
By 2011, I was sharing my thoughts and poems on Tumblr, later transitioning to WordPress while also performing spoken word poetry on local stages. In 2014, my passion for storytelling expanded into the realm of soul care. It started with a simple dinner party—just drinks, laughter, and deep conversation—which blossomed into something far greater. That night marked the beginning of a creative movement. Since then, I’ve collaborated with other creatives to curate intimate pop-up events designed to nurture connection, creativity, and possibility. Read more>>
Grace Waters
I really do wish I could say the road has been smooth, but that is not the case. While I have had a passion for what I do, I first had to convince myself that my passion was worth pursuing. Once I chose to step out on faith and begin functioning in my business, I found that opportunities have not always been present, and even though I have published several books, the market has not been as favorable as I desire. Even so, I have continued to work my passion. Once my family began to grow, I found myself torn between home life and my business, but despite all of the changes, Grace Waters, LLC persists. My passion is my purpose, and that drives me on days when it would seem easier to give up. Read more>>
Aaron Barfield
After school, I continued with my tax work and was offered a position working with a Liberty Tax office. My education and eagerness to sink my teeth in some of the more complex tax situations made me stand out to the franchise owner, and he offered me an opportunity fresh out of college to sit under him and become a franchise owner myself. I passed on this opportunity and looking back I am not sure I was fully ready, but even so our values didn’t completely align. Read more>>
Degnilda (Nina) Diaz
I never took a formal course; everything I’ve learned came from watching my mom, experimenting, and absorbing knowledge through online tutorials. When I moved to another country, one of the biggest challenges I faced was starting over. But that transition also gave me the push I needed to turn my hobby into a small business. Read more>>
Melissa Colon
We learn how to let go of fear and how to push ourselves beyond what we think we can do. We pride ourselves in having a studio that is filled with love, acceptance, and positive energy. We care more about being good people first and good dancers second. The trajectory of many lives have been changed because of this program. I have students dancing professionally in LA. I have students who have left gangs and gotten out of bad situations because dance became more important to them. I have students who have moved, traveled the world, and perused their dreams because dance taught them to not be afraid. It gave them confidence. Read more>>
Courtney Shearer
Now, almost 17 years later I can’t imagine doing anything else. It’s detailed and technical, yes, but also very rewarding. Starting your first job in a recession is not for the weak and definitely developed a level of grit I’m very thankful for today. I spent 3 years at that first company and then moved on to a cabinet design company where I worked for 8 years. I gained SO much cabinetry knowledge and experience here and it really paved the way for me to open my own Kitchen and Bath Design House – The Designery in 2019. Read more>>
Ashley Love
After my time there, I went on to work for a wedding company based out of Houston for several years. I was lucky enough to help build, sell and manage their venues while really getting comfortable with the back end of the business. There are so many moving parts to managing a wedding venue and I’m so grateful to have learned everything I did because the business side is totally different! Read more>>
Adeiza Usman
At the same time, I developed a deep passion for food and began working as a chef at South City Kitchen in Alpharetta. I’ve been working on incorporating Nigerian flavors into southern cuisine, which has been really meaningful for me. Read more>>
Queen Majeeda
I started writing as a teenager. At 15, I received a recording contract after submitting a song to a recording company in the US. I was living in Jamaica at the time. I was too young to sign it so my father signed it for me. However, I changed my mind and decided to wait until after high school. I recorded my debut album, Conscious which was distributed by Heartbeat Records in the US, and by Tuff Gong Records in the Caribbean. Read more>>
Nataly Villa
There’s never a smooth ride when you’re trying to progress and learn everyday. Growth comes with many obstacles and many lessons. It comes with a prayerful life and depth in faith and hope. I went through loss, and not just any loss but losing a son. I went through losing myself and rising again. I went through a lot of darkness and fighting my way through to find the light. Read more>>
Ruby DaGoat
I go by Bankroll.ruby and im most know for my music and reality tv. The grind never end ! IM JUST GETTING STARTED 
TO SEE MY FAN BASE GROW IS WHAT IM MOST PROUD OF. MY ENERGY IS UNMATCHED ANY ROOM I WALK IN HEADS TURN 
Read more>>
Jakob Burke
When I was 2 years old I started out playing soccer and one day I decided I wanted to dance. So I told my parents I wanted to dance. They signed me up for ballet classes at Tampa Ballet Theatre. I loved ballet class. When I’m dancing I feel secure. Dance class is my safe space. Tampa Ballet Theatre closed during Covid. When things started to open again I started dancing at The Dance Company. At TDC I had a lot more options for classes than I did at TBT. When I fell in love with ballet I found out that it was a lot harder than I thought it might be Read more>>
Keiko Beauty
I love sharing my beauty expertise from a real, relatable perspective — for real women and men. I pride myself on authenticity — not just following trends or saying what brands want to hear. I also make it a point to share my own beauty imperfections in this outward-focused space. Being a beauty creator who doesn’t fit the traditional standard of beauty is something I embrace. We don’t all have to look the same, and the things that make us different deserve to be celebrated. I hope that when my audience thinks about who I am and what I share, that’s the feeling they walk away with. I love being a not-so-typical beauty creator — and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Read more>>
Jordan Williamson
I’m from Atlanta and have always been curious about other languages and cultures from a young age. I studied French in high school, dabbled in Mandarin during undergrad, and developed a strong interest in Spanish toward the end of college. A study abroad trip to Oaxaca, Mexico left a lasting impression—the people, the culture, and the food were incredibly inspiring. I returned to Oaxaca in 2020 to dive deeper into the language and explore the region’s rich heritage. I’ve also been capturing photos of people, places, and food since high school—those early travels and creative hobbies helped shape the foundation of my content creation journey. Read more>>
Morgan Weatherly
The mission of Clapping Trees is simple but deeply important: to support people as whole human beings—mind, body, and spirit. I’ve also had the privilege of partnering with Everyday Art, a nonprofit supporting emerging artists and individuals using art for healing and rehabilitation. It’s been a meaningful extension of the work I do and a reminder of how powerful creativity can be in the healing process. Read more>>
Erin Hall
Hey there! I’m Erin Hall, owner and founder of Dry Lush Booze-Free Beverages. Dry Lush was started in June 2024 out of an observed need for more inclusive beverage options for adults not drinking alcohol. The dream is to consistently provide a thoughtfully curated selection of alcohol-free drinks to those seeking high-quality alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages. Read more>>
Beatrice Okpara
Over the years I have completely taught myself, learned through observation, trial, and a whole lot of play. My style is always evolving because I don’t believe in sticking to one “perfect” look. I love experimenting, learning from other creators, and building a technique that feels like my own. A huge part of my inspiration comes from the amazing Black women I see online—those who show up confidently, unapologetically, and in their full beauty. They remind me that there’s space for all of us. Read more>>
Alexis Davis
One good friend I made from (shoutout Roze!) was a Twitch streamer. I would join her streams and talk in the chat; it seemed like a really fun time. She (along with my favorite youtube creators) inspired me to take a dip into the content creating world. Through Discord & Twitch is how Trinity (my twinny whom I love so!) became close & she inspires me as much as I inspire her! My other creator inspirations are definitely Krysta (krystalogy), Jalon (jalonaz), & Clarke (clarke_selena) – I got the chance to watch a panel hosted by Krysta that Jalon & Clarke was a part & it was extremely inspirational to see 3 Black/Biracial women in the content creating space. Read more>>
Malory Atkinson
The idea for The Zero Co started from a very personal place. During my pregnancy, and later while undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment, I found myself in a social world that revolves heavily around alcohol—without many exciting or inclusive alternatives. I realized how isolating that could feel, even in simple moments like going out with friends or celebrating milestones. Read more>>
Akia Mckinney
I began my journey in the beauty industry when I was in high school , 11/12th grade to be exact . I was bringing my products to school along with my books to make sure the girls got what they wanted and looked good at school . Straight out of high school is when my business took off , I graduated in 2017 so it’s been a very long run . I would take clients up to 6am , I didn’t care what time it was I was about my coins and getting my name out there . If you’re up I’ll be up . My makeup business expanded through word of mouth and how fast I have gotten over the time . No makeup artist could finish a face in 30 minutes like I could & actually still look fabulous. Read more>>
Moniqueca Sims
Things took a turn when I was 28. That’s when my mom passed away. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I fell into a depression that lasted ten years. I was still working, holding down jobs, moving through life, but the fire, the ambition, it wasn’t there. I only discovered that I had been grieving all those years when I finally went to therapy. My therapist helped me trace it all back to that moment when my mother died, and so did a part of me. Read more>>
Chavonne White
Therapy became a space where I could face the raw and unfiltered parts of my past. I learned about trauma and the ways it can shape us, about emotional intelligence and the gentle art of understanding our inner world, and about inner child healing, recognizing the neglected parts of ourselves that still hold on to old wounds. Each session was a step toward realizing that many of my fractured relationships stemmed from a profound lack of self-love. I was searching desperately for love in the world, unaware that the love I craved was already right there, within me. Read more>>
Kendell Myers
And not being afraid to step out on Faith. I am now currently a husband. that just got married March 7, 2025, stepfather of three and the spring of 2025, I have decided go back to college and pursue my associates degree in psychology. I will be graduating December 2025. My ultimate goal is to impact 1 billion people around the world. I am Mr. OVERCOMER EVERY MOUNTAIN. I COME ACROSS I GET OVER AND I ALSO SHOW PEOPLE THE PASS ACROSS THE MOUNTAIN. Read more>>
Lauren Caldwell
My journey into medicine began over a decade ago when I started working as a certified nursing assistant. From early on, I was drawn to the deeper connections I could make with patients and the ability to impact their long-term health. That passion led me to become a nurse practitioner, where I could take a more active role in patient care and decision-making. Read more>>
Imani Edwards
I’ve always loved cooking and experimenting with new recipes-it’s been my way of showing love and creativity. For a while, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my life. I explored different paths: I started in education, went to esthetician school, and now I’m in nursing school. Through it all, food has remained my passion. I’m a stay-at-home mom of two, a wife, a. woman on mission to build something meaningful. Starting my catering business has been a way to combine purpose and passion-and I’m just getting started. Living life from the kitchen to the classroom, with love in every dish. Read more>>
New Culture Eats
Clover is from the inner city of Oakland but her family’s origin link to Tennessee and Missouri . We decided to combine those roots and make a catering business that has picked up heavily since we started. We make sere we pray over our food for others before they eat which matters the most before selling anything. We provide flavors of Honey jerk, Garlic Parmesan and Lemon Peppers. You can pick these 3 flavors for your fries, tenders, wings or cheeseburger We also have deserts such as Banana pudding. Our sides consist of , Mac and Cheese, Brown Sugar Cornbread and Candied Yams. Read more>>
Innate
Not at all. I’ve had to find out everything for myself. There have been key moments that have shaped how I look at making music. I’ve learned many lessons. Music was the only thing that stayed constant. I feel like I’ve lived 4 or 5 lives in my 20’s, and that struggle has given me the perspective to make better music. I am grateful for my struggles because they gave me a story and way of looking at the world. I feel ready to push myself for more. Read more>>
Guzal Adekoje
I came to the United States with a friend when I was 22 years old. Young and ambitious, yet scared, I was ready to embrace new opportunities. I didn’t know anyone in the States, and I was terrified. I only had $200, a gym bag filled with instant porridge, and just a couple of clothes to survive in this new country. Being on a tight budget, I couldn’t afford a suitcase on wheels, so I used an old but large gym bag instead. Read more>>
Jessica Myers
There have been moments of massive wins, like co-owning a Hilton hotel or helping clients raise millions for their visions. But there have also been seasons of intense pressure, loss, and isolation. At one point, I was speaking on stages and leading high-level deals, while silently battling financial instability. I had investors chasing repayment, partnerships unraveling, and legal battles around assets I helped build from the ground up. Read more>>
Nathan Owens
If comedy is smooth something is wrong. It requires failure for growth. Many of the struggles is learning to write and learning how you write. I’m 12 years in and still trying to find my voice. My favorite comedians have always been the most authentic and that’s what I want to bring to the stage. Read more>>
Demetrius Collins
This journey eventually led me to explore holistic healing. I found comfort and empowerment in herbal tonics and various sound instruments that help calm the mind and promote deep relaxation. What began as personal healing has evolved into a calling—I now feel driven to share these gifts with others. My goal is to contribute to collective well-being and make a meaningful impact, one step at a time. Read more>>
D. Marcel
I would open and close Fl everyday for about two years. Then one day while my older brother was at work, I overheard my younger brother making a beat through the wall while I was cleaning the bathroom. Inspired by EarthGang and their “Bears Like This Too” mixtape at the time, lyrics just started coming to me as I stopped what I was doing and typed them in my phone. I remember in the moment having no clue what I was doing but it just felt right. When the verse was done I went and spit it to my younger brother, shaky voiced and bright eyed. He, more familiar with the software than I, help me set up the mic to record and the rest was history. Read more>>
Jose Marin
But once the sun goes down, I shift gears into something completely different, I’m also a photographer, specifically focused on capturing Atlanta’s underground rave and nightlife scene. Capturing raves from organizers such as BrainWorld, TwistedLines, Club De Vampiros, NetSphere, and others. There’s so much raw energy, expression, and culture that deserves to be documented, and that’s what drives me creatively. You can usually find me late at night behind the lens at some of the most electric events in the city. Read more>>
Sharif D. King
I had to pray and stay purposeful and intentional in every decision while trusting the process. I also had to continuously invest in myself. You have to have the confidence to bet on yourself at all costs. You will never be able to cheat your brand, business, or hustle. What you put into it will determine what your product and gain look like. One of the things that played an intricate role in my development was when I silenced my desires to be like others and or seek validation. I spent a lot of time trying to mirror other people’s journeys when God was creating something new in me. At that very moment, I birthed a campaign, movement titled “Carve Your Path” because I became more invested in who I’m destined to be and less concerned with how I can align with peers, mentors, and role models. Read more>>
Avian Watson
When I got my driver’s license, my role expanded. I became Marcus’s go-to person for auditions, errands, and different request he had, always figuring out how to make things happen. I’ll never forget the time I was 14 and made a call to a local radio station because Marcus wanted to attend a concert. My call earned us floor seats, backstage passes, and more, teaching me early on the power of knowing how to connect people and create opportunities. Read more>>
Vonda B.
Not at all. It’s tough to find an artist who is seriously and willing to work with you on a project that you’re passionate about. Also, you have to work a 9-5 to make ends meet, which takes time away from the creative process. And, as a songwriter, you want to write something, but you just can’t seem to find the words to describe how you feel! So yes, there are many struggles, but you ultimately find ways to overcome them. Read more>>
Astro McCoy
I had just moved in with a friend & found myself in a depressive state of mind. Everything was going wrong until one day I went to help my sister with one of her cooking events. At the event I seen someone interviewing the host & when I seen his equipment something inside me said that’s what I need to do. So I saved money & invested in some camera equipment & ever since then everything has just been opening up for me Read more>>
Joel Seats
I think the most important qualities and characteristics that are important to me is that you have to be able to be a person who is consistent, confident, motivated, patient, and being someone who believes in themselves. You have to believe in your product and you have to be willing to sacrifice and understand that it takes time to build a brand that people will embrace. Read more>>
AutismmomJoy Joycelynn
Autismmomjoy Eatery , Njoylesspain & Autismmomjoy Autism Advocacy were all ideas I had based on personal experiences where I felt I needed something ai wasnt provided.As an autismmom its imperative to understand Autism so Autismmomjoy became a local advocate and began giving diaper donations to families in need .I began catering and preparing soul food meals however after breaking my spine in a cement truck wreck plus battling Lupus Im no longer cooking as I was before.Njoylesspain is a muscle rub I made after getting fustrated with over the counter products I made my own pain creme which can be purchased by emailing me njoylesspain@gmail.com. Follow us on all platforms for disability awareness @autismmom_joy Read more>>
Leon Washington
I must say that the road hasn’t been smooth, but as the old saying states, “Nothing worth having comes easy”. It has definitely been challenging. Sometimes the days are long, sometimes you don’t feel like going to class, you don’t want to skip your exercise routine or leave the comfort of your home, but you do it anyway because your passion and desire for more won’t allow you to miss out on an opportunity to learn or meet someone that can possibly push your career forward. I always end up saying that I was glad I attended the class, workshop, or event afterwards. Read more>>
Tarryn Hoff
I’m Tarryn, also known as “The Traveling Trainer” from Peachtree City Personal Training. With 25 years of experience in exercise psychology, I specialize in self-determination theory, physical fitness, and mindful health. I hold a PhD in exercise psychology and have been dedicated to personal training since 1999, helping individuals achieve their fitness goals and improve their overall well-being. Read more>>
Chandler Champion
When I was first starting to take filmmaking seriously, I became very lonely. I thought I was always going to be doing the heavy lifting (writing, editing, shooting) by myself. Constantly wearing all those hats became exhausting and I faced major burnout. I was also acting in the films I made so balancing all that became a pain. But as I continued to make films and work new jobs, I began to meet some amazing people that have made me feel so welcome to the film industry. Read more>>
Christian Gomez
Now I am part of a group called creatives 4 Christ full of young adults like me had similar but different experiences and we go around using music as a open door to bring freedom joy peace and love available in Jesus. Now I am part of a group called creatives 4 Christ full of young adults like me had similar but different experiences and we go around using music as a open door to bring freedom joy peace and love available in Jesus. now I am part of a group called creatives for Christ full of young adults who had similar but different experiences and we travel to different places and use our music as an open door so they can experience the freedom love hope and joy available through Jesus Read more>>
Kiyani Savage
Introducing Kiyani Savage, a versatile force in the realm of creativity. Renowned as a Digital Content Creator, Social Media Influencer, and skilled Photographer, Kiyani also graces the high fashion world as a model—be it on the runway, in editorial features, or through the digital lens. With a keen eye for aesthetics and a passion for innovation, Kiyani Savage stands as a true ambassador of fashion, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Read more>>
Foúr
The core of my creative process lies in working with the right people, as the exchange of ideas and perspectives always leads to the evolution of my work. By pushing the boundaries of traditional design, I aim to challenge societal norms and spark meaningful conversations through my pieces. Read more>>
Tammy Taylor
One of my most proud moments is the release of A Love Story Vol 2: My Journey to Love. I had the amazing opportunity to co author this book with my chapter titled The Love I Found. This Chapter describes how I overcame domestic abuse , self loathing, depression and anxiety and found my purpose. This experience allowed me to come to terms with my past and find the courage to speak my truth. I now speak to women and I share my story with the hopes of empowering them to find the strength to comes to terms with their past and press forward to the future. Read more>>
Halima Muhammad
But my greatest inspiration comes from my three incredible children. They’ve grown into compassionate, resilient adults. Though I haven’t always been perfect, I’ve always strived to show them what it means to rise after falling. They’ve watched me rebuild, and in their own journeys—pursuing careers, embracing creativity, and facing life’s hurdles with grace—they’ve taught me as much as I’ve taught them. I’m endlessly proud of the people they’ve become, and that pride fuels my desire to keep growing—not just for myself, but to honor the legacy I hope they’ll carry forward. Read more>>
Lasheika Kassa
Going above and beyond while being passed over for pay increases all while watching others do the bare minimum and move up the ladder. I started Fanik Consulting Company in 2021. For two years I did not have one client or contract. I remember questioning if I made a mistake, however fast foward to 2024 and business picked up and allowed me the opportunity to take off from my full-time job to focus on contracts part-time if needed. I spend evenings and weekends working to build clientele. This is a lesson and testament that sometimes things take time, but when it does happen, it always work for the best. Read more>>
Meredith Walters
As I grew up, however, I gave up on these things. It started when I entered my novel into my school’s book contest and got the second-to-lowest score possible. It continued when I got wrapped up in achieving what I thought I was supposed to and concluded that my childhood pursuits were weird, immature, and unimportant. Read more>>
Natalie Shell
I’ve worked in a lot of situations that just didn’t fit. From each job I learned and gained valuable skills, but something was missing for me. I’ve always worked too hard and too much which took a toll on my mental health. When I lost my transportation to my studio manager job it gave me the push I needed to set out on my own. This gave me much needed flexibility with much higher reward. It also allowed me to focus my energy and creativity into what I really wanted to do which was photographing newborns. Read more>>
Renee Walters
I did that for 3 years and I ended up moving to Atlanta where I started a career in retail management. I worked in almost every mall in Atlanta for a athletic sportswear company, while working my way up the management chain, I suffered a Spinal Cord Injury at my home. I fell 15ft out of the attic and fractured my spine, paralyzing me instantly. I went through a year and a half recovery learning to walk again. Unable to work I started making gift baskets and desserts, and a few years later my creativity has made me the owner of Chic Charcuterie and Catering. Read more>>
Melanie Avalon
I am so grateful that I now get to explore and learn fascinating topics to share through my podcasts—[The Melanie Avalon Biohacking Podcast, The Intermittent Fasting Podcast, and The Mind Blown Podcast]—where I interview some of the coolest, most brilliant minds out there. Everyone from Gabor Maté, to Ice Man Wim Hof ,to P90X’s Tony Horton, longevity legend David Sinclair, and even Burt Ward, the original Robin from Batman! Read more>>
Leara Rhodes
I abhorred the horror, science fiction, heart breaking stories that would leave me devastated and thinking long into the night, and not good thoughts. I did not like to remember the scenes of destruction and despair. I read the classics, even the harsh ones. I longed to walk into a book shop and be able to identify the authors and books on the shelves. Years into reading, I was in a book shop in Atlanta where they had put Mary Stewart’s Merlin trilogy in the gothic romance section. I was appalled. She indeed wrote many gothic romance books, but her trilogy was a stand out in myth and history, not romance, not gothic. Read more>>
Barbara Latta
In between some of the overseas trips, my husband was employed in Washington, D.C. As a lover of history, I was fascinated with the museums and historical sites in the area. My favorite was Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. We volunteered at this beautiful tourist attraction and mingled with the guests while dressed in the traditional revolutionary era garb. Not only was this fun and entertaining, it provided more knowledge of America’s founding history, and added to my learning resume’. Read more>>
Thy Vo
For the longest time, I was probably most known for my student film, “Tutorial Skip”, which told the story of what happens to a novice gamer when he skips the tutorial and goes straight for the strongest boss. I co-directed this film with Ryan Imm and Sydney Seekford and it was our love letter to Japanese role playing games. We made sure to saturate the film with all the nostalgic colors, sounds, and iconography of classic jrpg’s. We had around 40 artists on this film and it was such a blast to make. Read more>>
Aza A. Shukura
I’d say the second biggest thing I’ve had to overcome was managing my BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder). I didn’t even know what the heck that was until I was told, and BOY did a lot of things make sense afterwards. However, BPD is developed out of complex trauma. It’s not like there is a light switch that you can flip, and it all goes away. Many people, including myself, have felt that they are not allowed to speak up about what they are dealing with. They feel they have to hide it, or just “get over it” and move on as if nothing ever happened. But that’s not how trauma works. That’s not how healing works. If everyone just needed “thick skin” and could easily move on from trauma or difficult situations, then there would be no need for recovery, support groups, counseling, self-care initiatives etc. Read more>>
Melissa Holley
Early on, I learned the value of hard work. I’ve worn many hats over the years, and I’ve seen firsthand how businesses struggled to reach the right audience, and I realized that marketing wasn’t just about selling, it was about storytelling, connection, and strategy. That realization led me to start Holley Impact Marketing, a business dedicated to helping brands grow their presence and engage their audience. It was a leap of faith, but I knew I had the skills, passion, and determination to make it work. At the same time, my love for planning events began to take shape. Read more>>
Olivia Gilmore
Not only am I an Animal Science major with double minors in Chemistry and Biology at Berry College, but there are also additional prerequisite classes that each student hoping to be accepted to vet school must take on top of their regular course load. As a senior in her last semester, I can say that looking back, there were definitely some classes that were challenging, but they allowed me to be accepted into vet school in the end! I’m so excited to start the next chapter of my life in veterinary school in the fall and reach the last step in this very long, but exciting journey! It’ll be four more years of intense studying and another three year residency after that in order to become board-certified in animal reproduction, but to me, the best dreams are usually the hardest to achieve! Read more>>
Chef Crust
It was there that I was given the freedom to experiment with and master southern dishes I had never worked with before—and in the process, I unearthed the concept for Not Your Nonna’s. As a born-and-raised Southerner with an Italian-Puerto Rican heritage, I grew up in the South but didn’t grow up Southern. Not Your Nonna’s is a fusion experience where Southern comfort meets Italian tradition. The menu brings together classic flavors from both cultures in the form of beautiful, bite-sized ravioli. Imagine BBQ Pulled Pork Ravioli, smothered in a homemade BBQ Marinara sauce. Read more>>
Jannah Brock
That’s when I decided to make a change in my life. I started going to the gym, moving more, and paying attention to the foods I ate to fuel my body. After years of lifting, I shed the excess weight and developed a passion for fitness. As I shared my knowledge and built a community on social media, I realized I also had a passion for teaching and motivating others. I decided to expand my knowledge and became a NASM-certified personal trainer. Read more>>
Dara Walker
Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Turmeric promotes healthy, glowing skin and combats acne. After seeing remarkable improvements in my skin, I frequently received compliments and inquiries about my routine. The overwhelming interest inspired me to formulate a dedicated Turmeric Skincare set under the brand name Bel-Air Cosmetics. With products like a Turmeric Cleanser, Toner, Serum, Cream, and Oil, Bel-Air Cosmetics transformed from a personal remedy into a trusted brand championing skin confidence for others. Today, it continues to grow, serving as Your Skin’s Loyal Best-Friend and becoming a recognized name in skincare. Read more>>
Megan Treglown
I don’t think you’ll ever find a business owner who will claim it has been a smooth road. My biggest challenges have been relaying what all I can do in the marketing and social media realm, as well as navigating owning my business and what that looks like. While I do manage social media, I also create marketing materials, audit social media pages, provide content strategies, do one-on-one marketing strategy sessions, create Canva templates, have digital downloads, and so much more! Read more>>
Chad Ralston
In 2022, we became the Most Awarded Craft Whiskey Distillery since 2018 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (the most prestigious competition in the U.S.) and have since expanded into other markets across the country, including our recent launch in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. In 2023, we launched Hunker Vodka in collaboration with Athens, Georgia’s Classic City Collective, with a portion of proceeds from each bottle sold benefitting Classic City’s mission of supporting UGA student-athletes through their comprehensive Name Image Likeness (NIL) program. Read more>>
Ayanna Muhammad
As a Wife and Mother, I wanted to have more time with my family, I wanted to be able to attend school functions and activities without wondering if I had enough PTO or travel to see my family without having to get approval – I wanted to be able to make my own schedule without question. Don’t get me wrong, a consistent paycheck is better than no paycheck but after a while, I started to think about my own personal goals and what I saw for myself but most importantly, the example I would be setting for my children. My husband (who has been in construction for 20 years) and I started to brainstorm and before we knew it we were up and running with our first client. Read more>>
