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.
Phillips
I began as an artist, captivated by the beauty and complexity of the world, translating its essence through watercolor, colored pencil, graphite, and ink. Creativity was my compass. Today, I find myself in the machinery of corporate America, where artistic expression takes a backseat to the demands of the highest bidder (even though my bank account would say other wise lol). The shift from passion to pragmatism is a familiar story, one that raises questions about the cost of survival in a world that often values efficiency over imagination. Read more>>
Jatavius (unclejaytee) Ponder
As I grew older, I began to feel a deeper calling to ministry and content creation, though I wasn’t sure what that would look like at first. Over time, I embraced my role as a leader in the digital space, and through platforms like TikTok, where I now have a community of over 30K followers, I’ve been able to share my journey, encourage others, and speak truth into their lives. It’s been incredible to connect with so many people from all walks of life, using my voice to inspire, challenge, and help others grow in their own faith. Read more>>
Caren West
I didn’t follow a map—I followed my gut. The road hasn’t always been smooth, but every wrong turn, long night, and hard decision added up to something that mattered. We’ve navigated burnout, unexpected pivots, and plenty of growing pains. But we’ve also stayed grounded in what matters most: values, trust, and relationships. We built something that lasts—and something we’re proud of. We’ve come a long way, but something tells me the most exciting chapters are still ahead. Read more>>
Linda McIver
Our latest challenge is a problem I feel so grateful to have. Over the last couple years we have had an amazing influx of new patients. There have been some natural growing pains, which is to be expected. However, we’re set to reopen our renovated office this spring, designed to optimize patient care and the overall experience. Read more>>
Diana And Daniela
I knew I couldn’t stay at home forever, so I decided to save money, validate my medical degrees, and obtain my medical and aesthetic licenses. Eventually, I opened a small suite where more people began to recognize my work. But my vision was bigger, so I made the decision to expand and open a larger space. It wasn’t easy—I didn’t have much support and wasn’t familiar with the commercial system in this country—but with the help of my daughter, Daniela, we made it possible. Read more>>
Ro.Sa Sunflower
Losing my mom and having my life completely change right before going on the biggest tour I’ve ever experienced was tough; especially since she was also a singer and always believed in this dream for me. While I was grateful and happy to have gotten the opportunity, I was still mourning. Many times I habitually was going to call her to tell her about my day, just to remember the reality. A definite rollercoaster…But my sisters and my close friends held me up and still hold me up when needed. Through it all—life, people, the ups and downs—I’ve grown into the Artist, businesswoman, and person I am today, and I’m honestly grateful for it. Plus, I honestly still feel my mom’s energy and guidance often! Read more>>
CJ Hoty
Our band has an interesting way of writing songs- I think anyway. Myself as the lead singer and guitarist will come up with a lyric that gets stuck in my head, or a riff I can’t escape from. I’ll sit with that and get a verse or two down and along with some fun guitar work I’m attached to. Then I’ll call up our drummer and he and I will fumble our way through it and build an arrangement we like. Once we feel we have something there I’ll start recording in my home studio to get the guitars all down to a click, then we record with drums (either there or in an offsite professional studio. Finally, our bassist Kyle will come in for a late night session in our studio to lay down the bass parts that he has written. More often than not we do some writing together right then and there in the moment- very collaborative. Read more>>
Nick Fenton
Fast-forward to 2021. My sister-in-law, Niamh, and her husband, Ethan, asked if I wanted to join them to photograph their friend’s wedding in Florida. I had only been a guest at a handful of weddings before so this was a great opportunity to get an understanding of how a full wedding day flows. From there I started to offer free local sessions to families and couples. I felt comfortable using a camera but I needed more experience working with clients before jumping into doing more weddings. Read more>>
Ali Suhail
Starting High Heaven Smoke Shop wasn’t just about selling products—it was about building something of my own, something that stood out in a competitive industry. It all began when I noticed a gap in my area: there were plenty of smoke shops, but none that truly focused on quality, customer experience, and a wide selection of unique products. Most were just quick cash grabs, with overpriced glass and uninterested employees. I knew we could do better. Read more>>
Larry Mason
I graduated from undergrad in 2022 from Xavier University of Louisiana. Following that, I headed to the NYC area to do a Master’s program in hopes of becoming a doctor. I quickly found that this wasn’t for me, and I made my way to Georgia State to pursue my Master’s of Public Health while also being an apartment locator. My experiences in NYC taught me what I liked and didn’t like and propelled me into pursuing all levels of passion in Atlanta. Read more>>
Erica Benton
My professional experience includes working for MAC Cosmetics, where I refined my skills and deepened my industry knowledge. I currently works part-time at Sephora while continuing to take clients through my own business, Enchanted Beauty— Your Glow, Enhanced. In addition to offering makeup services, I also provides personalized shopping experiences, one-on-one sessions, teaching individuals how to achieve a flawless makeup look on themselves. Read more>>
Tha Big O
As a kid I always recorded everything me and my friends did. As I got older whenever I wanted something I could never afford it so I would figure out how to do it myself. I wanted a tattoo so I learned how to do it and I made money from it, I got into music and studio time was expensive so I got the equipment myself and I made money from it, and with the music I needed music videos so I bought a camera and filmed my own, This I also made money from but since it was something I was used to and enjoyed I stuck with it. I started recording music videos which lead to youtube and content creation. I dove deep into my content creation and with that my platforms grew and now we are here. Read more>>
Bailey Lee
I have been involved in the vinyl and graphics industry for as long as I can remember. My uncle raced NASCAR and would wrap his cars with vinyl before each race. I remember watching this process happen as a kid and thinking how cool it would be to one day do the same thing. As years progressed I slowly picked up more and more of the skills throughout the industry. I was eventually sent to Roland Academy to learn how to fully wrap a vehicle. After acquiring my Roland Academy certificate, I knew what I wanted to do for my career. I spent the next few years really diving deep into the industry while also learning to screen print apparel. Read more>>
Jason Dempsey
I learned everything I could from my mentors/supervisors and eventually ended up at a marketing agency working on client accounts including McDonald’s, Susan G. Koman, Caresource, and Zoo Atlanta. It was onward and upward from there. I worked at a few other agencies since then and have worked with larger clients like AT&T, Coca-Cola, Southern Company and Cricket. Over the years, my freelance work shifted from general design to visual identities where I gladly worked on projects for Teadrops, BLK&BOLD Coffee, Danessa Myricks, Alex Elle, and Treasure Tress. Read more>>
Caleb Anthony
I started making content during covid no real direction I just really enjoyed making funny skits and videos until one day my friend Kirk from MTVs Floribama shore called me and was like bro you gotta come pull up and film with me you the funniest person I know there’s a group of guys who do dark humor content I was literally at a birthday party and left mid party to meet up I went and immediately knew I was where I’m supposed to be I got along with all the bros and never had laughed that hard in my life I started to go every week making all kinds of TikTok videos and funny videos that started going crazy viral I still film with them once a week until this day Read more>>
Honeysuckle Moon
We are proud to be a Louisiana-born Mother and Daughter duo who proudly offers 100% handcrafted, plant and mineral based skin care products, luxury fragrances and Caribbean Island-themed organic spa therapies with the intention of supporting the wholistic wellbeing of melanated skin types. CEO, L’Angela Lee, is a licensed skin therapist who is committed to helping persons achieve both inner and outer beauty through stress reducing and skin optimizing, self care + spa therapies. Read more>>
Nemisye
Growing up, I didn’t fit in much. I had one or two good friends, but mostly acquaintances. I was one of the few Black kids at my school, and even among them, I didn’t quite belong. I dressed grunge, wore piercings, and was labeled an “Oreo.” And as many queer individuals know, even theater spaces aren’t always safe — I was bullied there too. So where do you go when you’re struggling with your sexuality, your gender, and your identity as the “weird Black kid”? Read more>>
Jasmin Gresham McKenzie
So, if you’re thinking about going full-time in real estate (or any business, really), figure out your “WHY” early. It’s so different when you’re the one holding yourself accountable. At a 9-5, your boss does that for you. When you’re on your own, it’s all on you. You have to want success even when you’re not feeling it, because if you don’t prospect, lead-generate, and put yourself out there, you’re not getting paid. Simple as that. Read more>>
Douglas “Johnny Badmon” Thomas
By this time, I felt like another alias change was in order to match my change of pace and demeanor. “Johnny Badmon” felt like the perfect change whilst giving homage to my Jamaican roots. From this point I felt the need to professionalize my image and my collaborators projects, so I founded the LLC “Out Of Sight Union”. Out Of Sight Union was made to prioritize creativity over all other factors no matter the medium that is presented. Valuing the artist above all else is our main focus, especially on terms of brand ownership and royalties. Murder, Micah, and I have released multiple products, music, and content under Out Of Sight Union with plenty more on the way every day. Read more>>
Duerell Jones
While Spark Entertainment Group continues to thrive in Chicago, offering top-tier DJ and entertainment services for weddings, corporate events, and private parties, my relocation to Paulding County, Georgia, in 2021 has enabled us to expand our reach. Now, as the lead DJ, I’m personally bringing our signature high-energy performances and personalized experiences to clients throughout the Southeast. This expansion allows us to blend the vibrant energy of Chicago with the warm hospitality of Georgia, ensuring unforgettable events for our clients in both regions. Read more>>
Kahlel Hale
Being passionate about your craft is never easy and is rarely a smooth journey. Along the way, you may face exploitation, dishonesty, and manipulation. However, it’s all about your mindset and how you maturely navigate through difficult times, using them as stepping stones to elevate yourself to greater heights. In any field, there is also significant competition. In today’s landscape, many people may try to lowball you, undercut your value, or tarnish your reputation with negative talk. Read more>>
Jirah Woolard
My first drop was a small collection: a few pairs of shorts and a bleached denim tote with a leather strap, all made from thrifted fabrics. I didn’t sell a single piece. That was a humbling moment, but it pushed me to rethink my approach. I realized that if I wanted to grow, I needed to learn graphic design—so I did. A few months later, I dropped my first T-shirt, and it sold well. The next one? Not so much. But through all of this, I was building something bigger than just clothes. That’s when I rebranded to New Rule, or RULE for short—standing for Rise Up, Lead, and Empower. Read more>>
Cherry Martin
It has been a turbulent journey with ebs and flows. Taking care of my family has always been my greatest joy but biggest challenge as it has taken time away from investing time into my art, and at times quality of work. But every moment spent with my family was a learning moment filled with experiences I have been able to use and propel my business and modeling career forward. Losing my grandfather, father and one of my very best friends Aimi Perrett, who was truly more like a sister, really took a toll on my mental health and creating thinking processes. I had to learn how to grieve and reinvent myself time after time and I’ve found that every time the version of me that I became has been stronger, smarter, resilient and more loving than the last. I’ve learned to be patient and give myself grace throughout the journey and trust the process. Read more>>
Virginia Bundy
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road, but every twist and turn has shaped who I am today. Early on in my journey, I took a break from fashion after leaving Los Angeles and ventured into medical sales. While it was a valuable experience that taught me skills in business and client relationships, I realized that my heart was still in fashion. Coming back to the industry wasn’t easy, but I felt compelled to return and pursue my true passion. Read more>>
Nicole Richmond
After years of so called living my dreams, I experienced a great awakening that shifted my journey and my musical aspirations. The years I spent on the road touring I was not involved in church. In 2023, I made my way back to the church where God is using me to lead people in Praise and Worship. Ive served at the now viral 2819 Church and am now the Worship Leader for Abundant life Christian Church in Conyers, Ga. I plan to stay on the path of following Gods instructions for my life and using my voice to lead people into his presence every chance I get. Read more>>
Maya Pegues
What I’m most proud of is my ability to build entire worlds through my work—whether it’s a film, a painting, a written piece, or a fully designed set and costume. I love creating layered, emotionally rich experiences that invite people to step into something beyond the surface. Read more>>
Kratina Baker
During my final year of law school, I interned at the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office, working on domestic violence murder and rape cases. Every defendant I saw looked like me, and I came to understand—on a deeper level—that the system wasn’t failing them. It was functioning exactly as it was designed to: to deny justice, deny equity, and deny healing to people like us. That experience changed my direction. I realized my work wasn’t in the courtroom—it was in changing the policies, practices, and public narratives that shape those courtrooms in the first place. Read more>>
Layla Alexander
Then came the day that changed everything my dad passed away. He was a hustler, a man who owned several businesses and poured his heart into everything he did. Losing him was devastating, but it also ignited a fire within me. I realized that I wanted to honor his legacy by embracing the same hustle he embodied. His drive to succeed became my motivation to push harder and pursue my own passions with relentless energy. Read more>>
Corey Andrew
Over the years, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of the industry, but each moment has shaped me into the artist I am today. From bad management situations, to performing for 1-2 people and even having my music attributed to another artist with the same name My music is a reflection of that journey—not just creatively, but personally—exploring themes of self-discovery, resilience, and authenticity. Read more>>
Smokey Jones
It has been the exact opposite of smooth. We have had every challenge imaginable thrown at us over the course of the band. Lineup changes, a revolving door of over 16 bass players (we are like spinal tap but with bass players), numerous industry hurdles, legal problems, shady booking scams, social media got hacked and we had to start over all accounts a couple years ago, equipment failure, blown tires, blown transmission, van wrecks, the list goes on and on. All I can say is we have overcame all obstacles thrown at us, and the core 3 members have stuck together through thick and thin for the full time. Shoutout to Rowdy and Von for always sticking in through the tough times. Read more>>
Elijah Cole
I began taking product samples to local Natural foods stores who truly embody natural health foods brands. Garden of Elixir is a earth continuous Natural foods brand and i knew i wanted to give back to the people even before the business began to make a profit I started a program giving back 5% of all proceeds toward our Water Pledge! We purchase small water filtration systems and ship them to 3rd world countries, water is an important part of human survival and we aim to help curve those struggles in those areas. This is my vision and this is our Garden of Elixir Natural foods brand! Read more>>
Angel English
I considered myself a creative student. Right now I am a medical student for my major and my minor is in Law. Afterschool I typically have dance rehearsal. If I do not have rehearsals I will design.I am still proud of pulling off my own fashion show thanks to GOD, my mom, my Godma, my models, Yard Party ATL, my best friends, my attendees and my performers. What sets me apart from others is the fact that I don’t give up. I may take a little break but I believe that I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me, so that is exactly what I will do. Read more>>
Hailey Curtis
Managing a team with different personalities while ensuring we deliver the expert-level quality our clients deserve and pay for has been an ongoing challenge. Training has also taken significant time and resources, which was something I hadn’t fully anticipated when starting out. Read more>>
William Johnson
The path has not been smooth. One of the biggest challenges has been carrying the weight of the trauma that so many of these young people experience. Their pain becomes personal, and figuring out how to truly help them—beyond just hearing their stories—has been a learning process. It’s taken time to develop the right resources, build meaningful connections, and create a step-by-step framework to support these students effectively. Read more>>
Margaret Flock
Growing up, I was an avid cross country runner, all the way from 2nd -11th grade. In high school, I was one of the top runners in my division, though I was getting burnt out from constantly pushing my body past my limit. I started to feel like exercise should be fun and that we shouldn’t have to force ourselves to do it. I stopped running and finally stepped into my first yoga class. I was hooked from the start. I found a new way to strengthen the body and calm the mind by synching the breath to the movements. Now I see exercise as a fusion of the body, the mind, and the spirit. Read more>>
Demetrice Dixon
I did that for 4 years before moving into working behind the scenes of music videos. That lasted for a few years. In 2008, I decides to go full throttle into film and television. After only 6 shorts month, work came to an abrubt halt, causing me to return to the salon with NO CLIENTS. all of my clients had found other service providers. That’s when i started rebuilding. I immedeitly knew it was time to start a real business strategy, if I was going to survive business ownership AND work in film and tv. For 4 years i stategized , mastered my systems and did BOTH. After 4 short years, I was ready to go back into film and tv full time. I landed my first gig back as a background hairstylist at Tyler Perry Studios. The rest was history (refer to resume) Read more>>
