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.
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>>
Ben Burke
I started as a reader and a TV channel surfer when I was younger, getting up early and watching stuff I recorded onto the DVR. Mainly anything involving dinosaurs and creatures. That has guided me throughout my life as an artist, an urge to understand the natural world and how it connects to humanity. And as I continued to read, watch, and create I began to learn the skills needed to create my videos and my soundscapes. Read more>>
Erika “Empress” Scott
A little while after I met Millie , I decided to get my cosmetology license and focus a little more on hair and just thinking about the long term. I started Aveda Arts & Science Institute of Atlanta on my birthday in 2021. I met so many talented women at school that I still connect with right now today. Soon after I met my mentor Makeup by Barbee and I became her assistant as well. I’ve always have been great at what I do but I’ve learned over the years to always be a student. There is always something to learn. Barbee definitely has trained me up to be one of the best. Im forever grateful. Read more>>
Kara O’Brien
We are a rescue farm and we had begun rescuing alpacas, which expanded to llamas, bunnies, chickens, dogs, cats. And a friend suggested that we could put the treehouse on Airbnb to help fund our massive vet & feed bills. We agreed that would be incredibly helpful. We had major imposter syndrome because we didn’t know what we were doing at first. But dove in anyway and learned quickly and the rest is history. Read more>>
Niki Pitts
My journey started in a totally different creative lane—as a cake artist. I owned a business called Eat My Art Creative Cakes, specializing in sculptural, over-the-top designs that were more art than dessert. (Fun fact: my son named the business when he was six.) I loved bringing people’s visions to life with color, structure, and a little bit of edible drama. Read more>>
Rachel Friedman
The real magic happens when I witness students using these practices to heal trauma and develop more effective coping mechanisms for life’s challenges. What began as my personal journey has rippled outward, creating a community of practitioners discovering their own strength and resilience through yoga—just as I did all those years ago. Read more>>
Glenda Carswell
As I was going through the demise of a 27-year marriage and a new separation, I decided I wanted something that was engaging, people-oriented, and empowering! My two sons, TC and James, were now young adults, ages 27 and 24 so I felt like “now is the time”! I decided to contact a model agency, The Lyngale Agency (TLA) founded by Tina Bridges, which was an agency for models 40 and over. After doing some research and talking with Tina, I decided to join this agency. Read more>>
Manpreet Kaur
Transition and change are never easy, and the journey was a bit bumpy in the beginning. However, I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my dedicated team. Together, we navigated challenges, including the unprecedented times of COVID-19, learning and growing every step of the way. Through collaboration, resilience, and a shared passion for early childhood education, we not only overcame obstacles but also built a strong foundation for a business. Today, we continue to work side by side, creating a nurturing, joyful, and successful environment for the children and families we serve. Read more>>
Anthony Ferrara
Anthony Ferrara is a distinguished medical practitioner with a wealth of expertise spanning numerous medical specialties. With a solid foundation in medical sciences and physician assistant studies from Cuyahoga College, coupled with a Master’s degree from Concordia University and a Doctorate in Naturopathy from the esteemed Southern Technical Institute, Anthony has been delivering exemplary healthcare services since 1995. Read more>>
Hallie And Thai
Starting out we were looking for different outlets to express our artistic nature along with a way to try to supplement our income for fun. As we ventured forward, we started attending local festivals and markets. We found that our product made people smile. We love bringing the imagination back into the forefront of people’s lives with our tiny, hidden world of Mo’Relia. Our day jobs were a bit unforgiving at the time, so this was a welcomed change of pace and really motivated us to continue our journey as Cafe Mushroom. As of writing today Cafe Mushroom is officially an LLC, yay! Read more>>
Atlanta Zine Club
Since we’ve been active, we’ve definitely been through periods of burnout. We took a little hiatus in the fall while we waded through the thick of it. But AZC really sustains our spirits in a big way, so we learned to keep it low-maintenance so that we can keep it running especially when things are difficult. We’ve learned to lean on the greater community when we need a hand. Mega shoutout our friends at JerkPress for being real zine demons. Read more>>
Kelsi Ballard
I originally started doing my family members hair just for fun and realized I enjoyed it. I felt most happy when I was doing hair or talking about hair. I did hair all throughout schooling. After school I tried college for a bit but realized I wanted to be in the beauty industry. So, I started at Paul Mitchell but it didn’t work out for me. I eventually went on to edgecombe community college in NC to gain my natural hair license. I always talked about relocating and moving to Atlanta Georgia. I moved to Georgia in August of 2023 and have been working to gain new clientele and new trades I’m interested in while I’ve been here. I am now a certified lash tech and a certified makeup artist. I enjoy the beauty industry and plan to further my education in it as well. Read more>>
Derek Wintermute
Fast forward about seven years, I decided to place an ad for wedding photography. I received an inquiry from potential clients, and I was upfront about my lack of experience. However, they saw something in my previous work that made them choose me over more seasoned photographers. When they saw the photos I delivered, they were so pleased that they took me out to dinner and even gave me extra money. That’s when I thought, “Maybe I’m actually good at this wedding photography thing.” Read more>>
Terrion Crook
Well 1st thank God he put my Mom and Pops in the same room or else I wouldn’t be here to even tell the story LOL!! My name is Terrion Crook, also know as Mr. Thank Yooouuu. My transitions over the course of my life have TRULY been a faith walk, every space I’ve worked in, every room I’ve been in, every person I’ve encountered, just the whole process of my maturation has been special. I’m the oldest child and grandchild of 5 sisters who I love dearly. Family is everything to me and one of my greatest assets to my success. Read more>>
Jessica Wise
The Bridge Club started out as a playwrighting class project in undergrad. I had never written a play before, and I was determined to leave the class with something I could stage in the future. I was only 19 at the time, but I knew I wanted to create something timeless, that would make people laugh, and covered multiple facets of womanhood. I was (and still am) a huge fan of the Real Housewives franchises, and I knew I wanted to capture some of that shady, meme-able humor. Read more>>
Shameka Jones
The road to becoming a physician was anything but smooth. One of the biggest challenges I faced was financial. Like many aspiring doctors, I had to rely on student loans to pursue my medical education. At one point, I was faced with the very real possibility of postponing medical school when my financial aid was unexpectedly denied. It was an incredibly difficult and uncertain time. But through God’s grace and a deep sense of purpose, I was able to push forward and continue my journey. That experience strengthened my resilience and deepened my appreciation for every step I’ve taken since. Read more>>
Ti Xu
As I draw more and more, my preferences and strengths become clearer. I love portraying organic beings, specifically plants, birds, and youth. For me, they provide the most possibilities for dynamic shapes and compositions. Genre-wise I like telling a story through a sequence of images, namely comics. I feel the process invigorated when it is driven by a story. I quit overthinking and things tend to fall naturally into place. Read more>>
Janneil Frederick
In 2016, I ventured into the catering business, starting out as a girl from a small island with a love for big, boastful flavors. I’ve always been someone who loves to challenge myself in the kitchen, experimenting with different dishes and constantly pushing my culinary boundaries. My very first large event was catering for Snapchat’s job fair for graduating seniors from Georgia Tech, a pivotal moment that solidified my passion for the craft. Read more>>
Renay Green
Owning a beauty supply store has been far from a smooth ride. From the very beginning, I faced obstacle after obstacle. The beauty supply industry wasn’t exactly know for being inclusive, and trying to get certain brands and products for my store often felt like pulling teeth. On top of that, I had to learn the ins and outs of weaves and braiding hair, which was a whole new world for me. Read more>>
Brenda Valente
At first, I wasn’t in love with it. Working in traditional salons (aka chop shops) meant long hours, unrealistic expectations, and little to no focus on sanitation—which did not sit right with me. I always thought nails would be temporary, but the more I did it, the more I realized I was actually really good at it. And with my background in graphic design, it made even more sense. The creativity, precision, and eye for detail I developed in design translated perfectly into nails. Read more>>
SunRhé
My journey as a singer began in my childhood, but my journey as an Artist didn’t blossom until I was in my early 20s. While living in South Carolina, I was sharing cover videos on YouTube and signing up for local open mics until I grew the confidence and momentum to build a community with other artists. Read more>>
Jill Burnsed
Originally from Florida, Jill Burnsed is a veteran agriculture, outdoor, sports, health, and wellness photographer based in Georgia. Her heritage-, place-, and people-powered visuals celebrate everyday lifestyles and milestone moments primarily surfaced in the American South. Jill’s artistry has traveled the globe – Rome, Tuscany, Belize, the Caribbean, and Mexico – affording her international opportunities to refine her craft while connecting with other cultures, local communities, and nature scenes. She often couples her Southern storytelling projects in America’s rural South with outdoor adventure experiences in the American West. She relishes exploration of national treasures and destinations like Red Rock and Grand canyons. Read more>>
Brittney Alofoje
Since early childhood, I’ve always been interested in social media content. In those times it was seen as as cringy or embarrassing to be a public figure online. I started doing YouTube on and off until 18 years old. Once I graduated high school, I knew college wasn’t for me but I did know that I wanted to be a business woman. I took time developing my business plan and filled my LLC in April of 2024. While doing that, I did take a step back from doing YouTube consistently. I did channel alot of my free time into content still, such as doing YouTube shorts , tiktoks, etc. Read more>>
Brandon Carter
As friends came by to see the updates, they encouraged me to share my work on TikTok. That’s when everything changed. My first client came through a gym buddy and shortly after, one of my pantry builds went viral. From there, my client base started to grow, and my weekends quickly filled up. Surprisingly, most of my recent clients have found me through TikTok. Since then, I’ve launched a website and started marketing my services more intentionally. Read more>>
Francoise Everett
Honestly, it was far from smooth. My 17-year relationship nearly unraveled; only through soul-baring conversations did we reforge our bond and come out stronger on the other side. My business also took a backseat because my energy plummeted. At first, I attempted what many women do: trying to “fix” myself and force my way back to where I was. But on the other side of this, I’ve realized that I was never meant to go back to where I was. There was a whole new future waiting for me that I could never have seen. Read more>>
Antalaya Israel
I started Israel Brand with a simple but powerful vision: to create an apparel line that not only reflected my personal style but could also be worn and appreciated by everyone. From the beginning, I put in the hard work—researching, seeking, and building relationships with reliable vendors who could provide both quality and affordability. It was important to me that every piece met a high standard, ensuring that my customers felt good wearing them, whether they were heading to brunch, a birthday party, or a date night. Read more>>
Chris Hood
Starting in 2019, we just wanted to help small to medium-sized businesses connect with their audiences better by filling the gaps they may have in SEO, pay-per-click ads, social media marketing, email marketing, e-commerce and marketplace selling, and website conversion optimization. Since then, we’ve grown to offer additional services such as cold outreach, brand strategy development, marketing automation, and more. Each of our team members is trained and certified by our various partners, including Google, MailChimp Hubspot, Bigcommerce, and others. Most recently, our team was recognized at 2024s Best of Gwinnett in Marketing Firms. Read more>>
Jordan Young
Music was my first love and the gateway to a dozen other creative fascinations. Audio, stage design, filmmaking, animation, interactive design. I’d say most ATLiens know me as a photographer. I probably enjoy designing interactive installations most. I’ve always been drawn to creative processes that utilize both my square and circle brain, so I’m often exploring the expressive capacity of emerging technologies. Read more>>
Cassie Parlotto
Over the holiday break, I visited a yoga studio in a neighboring city. It was everything I had been searching for—yoga, meditation, book clubs, and retreats—but it was too far to attend regularly once work resumed. During my last class there, while resting in savasana, I found myself almost yelling at God: Read more>>
Andre Melgacio
After all, the core of being an actor is continuous learning, whether it’s for a character, a project, or in this case, a new linguistic landscape. Therefore, I’ve dedicated myself to studying the American accent, not just to improve my pronunciation, but to truly grasp the natural speech flow and nuances. However, it’s not simply about delivering lines; it’s about deeply understanding the cultural context and the emotional weight those words carry. The words themselves are merely vehicles, surfing on the underlying emotional current. And I’m committed to ensuring that emotional authenticity shines through, regardless of the language. Read more>>
Austan Malik
Music was always there for me during my highest highs, lowest lows, and darkest moments. In 2008, I discovered a program called VirtualDJ. That was the spark. I’d been obsessed with music for years, and the idea that I could mix and blend tracks myself blew my mind. Not long after, a friend introduced me to FL Studio, and everything changed. I started producing trance tracks as a kid, fully diving into sound design and creativity. Read more>>
Mac Argumedo
It has been a somewhat smooth road. There have been, of course, adjustments and things to learn along the way, as with any new venture. One of the perks of taking over a previously owned business is that it came with a great customer and contractor base. Because Mac worked as an employee with the business before becoming the owner, he was able to continue to work with people that already knew and trusted him. This made the transfer of ownership smoother for everyone involved. This established base aided in Mac’s confidence to move forward in expanding and creating new work relationships. Read more>>
Janae’ Madison
One of Janae’s biggest challenges has been balancing her many responsibilities with her schoolwork and personal life. It’s no easy task trying to juggle acting gigs, interviews, nonprofit work, and being a cheerleader for her school, all while still being a kid. She’s had to learn how to manage her time wisely and stay focused, even when things get overwhelming. Rejection has also been part of her journey, as it is for many in the entertainment industry, but Janae has learned not to take it personally and to keep pushing forward. With her family’s support and her own determination, she continues to rise above every obstacle that comes her way. Read more>>
Deandra Raquel Bacon
When I first started having the thought, it was because I kept getting this one recurring compliment. “You made me look so good in this picture!” And most of the time they didn’t even want to take the photo, so to see their satisfaction and admiration for themselves, it just did something to me. After people put a few bugs in my ear, I finally decided to buy a camera and start into the business of photography. This is a really special part of my journey because I feel like I get to prioritize my creativity in a way I never did before. Prior to this I was a teacher, program manager for a non-profit, and consultant. Photography is the most fun job I’ve ever had. Read more>>
Jessalyn Fitzgerald
I worked all my life since 15yo and always had my own, yes my husband was taking care of the bills but it was hard to feel useless in the financial aspect, asking for money for simple things as food and gas. I decided I wanted a job that I can make money but still be able to care for my children and not be away from them all day. We decided to open J Ann C Cleanings, a cleaning company that is family owned and caters to residential, commercial, office settings, post construction and more. We have been so successful in such a short time that we are able to offer sacred heart cleans for those in need that cannot necessarily afford a clean. I have a mentor that took the time out to show me the ropes, she has her own cleaning company and is well Read more>>
Nicole Walton
My journey into this field began with a deep passion for helping families heal, grow, and thrive. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and early in my career, I had the privilege of working with children on the autism spectrum. That experience profoundly shaped my understanding of the importance of individualized support, patience, and meeting children and families where they are. It taught me how vital it is to create structured, nurturing environments that foster both trust and progress. Read more>>
Renee Tjomstol
Creative Concepts Staging by Renee has been a trusted partner for realtors, builders, investors, and homeowners for nine years. Our journey is fueled by passion, dedication, and the art of transforming properties into show-ready homes that captivate buyers. We understand that every home has its own unique charm, and our expertise lies in tailoring staging solutions that highlight each property’s best features. Read more>>
Nia Naomi Johnson
Being the child of a Bishop is no easy feat. I struggled a lot with finding my identity in Christ & as a creative person outside of church & outside of the “church girl” persona. I felt like pursuing Arts & entrepreneurship the way I was in some way was a betrayal to my roots or community because over the years I’ve watched how unkind the church can be to women in and outside of ministry. However, I learned that a lot of the real work happens outside of the 4 walls of the church. That as long as I live pleasing to the lord, and remain in execution of my purpose, I will always be in God’s will regardless of what people may want to attach me to. Also, Having the support and encouragement of my parents did wonders for my self- esteem. Read more>>
Kendall Holt
I have never lived anywhere else before and had no idea how I was going to get clients. When I had applied to transfer my cosmetology license back in August I was thinking that was going to be a quick process. Boy was I wrong. Nobody told me that it would take months to get it So because I did not have my license I was not able to work which you could imagine was super frustrating because this was not apart of my plan. 5 months later I finally had received my Georgia Master Cosmetologist license and I felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. Read more>>
McKenna Hartmann
That vision started to take shape when I met my husband, who at the time was the owner and operator of one Burn Boot Camp location. We quickly realized we made not only a great couple, but an even better team. While we were engaged, we opened our second Burn Boot Camp together and signed for two more. We got married shortly after and welcomed our beautiful daughter about a year later. Read more>>
Naomi Townsend
I was awarded the Audrey Livingstone Scholarship for academic merit and was voted Head of House. It’s not that I forgot about performing, I just found myself balancing two very different paths. I joined every school play I could and even became President of my school’s drama club. I kept that creative spark alive while making sure I stayed challenged academically. So when it came time to apply for college, I decided to pursue English Literature in the UK—except for one wild card: New York University (NYU). It had a renowned acting program and offered a double major, which schools in the UK did not. So I figured, why not give it a shot? It was the only school I applied to for acting—and when I got in, it honestly felt like a sign to finally go for it. Read more>>
Ayad Latimore
At one point, I felt like I had “fallen off” and didn’t see the need to keep creating. I also didn’t set bigger goals—once I hit 10K followers, I had nothing pushing me forward. When I wanted to evolve my content, I struggled to find reliable cameramen, and I let negative thoughts affect my creativity. On top of that, I didn’t fully embrace my gift for interviewing, and overthinking held me back. All of these factors led to me stepping away, but ultimately, they also taught me valuable lessons about consistency, mindset, and pushing past self-doubt. Read more>>
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>>
LaNise Thrasher
I’m an Author, Speaker, and Certified Life Coach who helps women break up with heartbreak in all its forms – whether from divorce, relationships, friendship breakups, career changes, or the loss of loved ones. My passion for this work started in childhood—I was always the go-to person for matters of the heart, naturally becoming a trusted confidante for family and friends navigating relationships and life challenges. Read More>>
