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.
Daniel Jefferson
I got to where I am by Gods Grace. It’s only been him, he has guided every step and every direction. I started by being a basketball player but as time went on, I had realized my calling is help be a visionary through filmmaking, writing, and leading others. Read more>>
Yana Pidorvan
I am an architect from Ukraine. After coming here,in Georgia more than 10 years ago I fall in love with local Southern style and started making art in chebby chic,Victorian, Southern style. I adore repurposing things and giving new life to old,forgotten or heirloom pieces. I am making jewelry, greeting cards,ornaments and other small home decor. Read more>>
Anna Refai
After practicing dentistry for over a decade, I was ready for the next big step: finding my dream practice. I searched for two years and when I couldn’t find it, I decided to build it. Magnolia Dentistry was quite literally built for all my patients. I love them and I love what I do. I am lucky in that I followed my passion and what makes me happy. I had wonderful, loving parents and husband supporting me every step of the way. Read more>>
Jerry Marcellin
I left everything I knew and loved to start over in the United States. After a brief stint in the US military, I spent years roaming around earth, looking for the next picturesque sunset or the most outlandish anecdote. Only to realize it was home all along! That’s when I decided that the world needed to hear our story and how we overthrew Napoleon’s rule against all odds to become the first black republic. But, of course the Islander in me had to add a little flair, some spices and seasoning. Thus was born “This is AYITI”, the novel. Read more>>
MisDesiree Willingham
I started braiding hair just because it was something to do as a little girl. I’ve always known how to braid but I never took it serious enough to do it I never cared to braid hair to be honest . Box braids was all I knew so I had to teach myself how to do knotless braids . In 2023 I started taking clients , but of course it was up sometimes and down other times I gave up a few times . I’d get a job when I got tired of doing hair then realized why I never cared to work for anyone and then go back to doing hair I was inconsistent for a while but here I am in 2025 still braiding and it’s now a full time job for me no more hobby . Read more>>
NSE Woodz
Weekday mornings in the high school cafeteria is where it went down. Someone pulled out two pens and started making beats for people to rap on. Listening to my classmates rap is really what prompted me to start writing. I was told my lyrics were good but would not flow on the beat thus I started rapping. But to take it all the way back, my dad introduced me to all sorts of music growing up. From old school hip hop to funk. From classic rock to jazz. My musical taste was all over. Fast forward to college I found myself being stressed with classwork and needed a healthy outlet. Read more>>
Pedro Sanchez
Partnerships with local small businesses are the heart of our work. Our bread and pastries are on the tables of local favorites like Roo Mountain Vineyards, Mountain Mama’s Coffee Lounge, River Street Tavern, 61 Main, and Colonel Poole’s BBQ. We distribute our goods with Fresh Harvest Market and Rise n’ Shine Organic Farm for those in the Atlanta area. We are proud to work alongside these beloved local businesses and grocery distributors. Read more>>
Vanessa Pascale
My writing has been published in magazines across the nation (Modern Luxury’s The Atlantan, Interiors Atlanta, Interiors Southeast, Jezebel, Weddings Atlanta, Datebook; VUE Atlanta; LA Direct; San Diego Magazine; Phoenix Magazine; Miami Living; Simply Buckhead; Decatur Living; South Magazine); on websites (website content, executive bios); and has helped sell multimillion-dollar real estate. Read more>>
Ashley Martinez
Today, I run a thriving photography business and have my own studio, Luminova Studios, at The Elm in Ball Ground, which has become a creative hub not just for me, but for other photographers and entrepreneurs. I’ve photographed everything from heartfelt elopements to high-energy weddings, and I continue to show up with the same heart I had when I first picked up a camera: to serve, to create, and to connect. Read more>>
Sirena Morris
I was born in Chicago, but I came of age in Fargo, North Dakota—a place where being Black meant learning how to shapeshift early. My biological father was in a famous group in the ‘80s, so music was always in my blood. My grandmother and step-grandfather were successful and moved our entire family up north. What they saw as opportunity, I experienced as a divide. We went from being the majority to the minority—and I learned quickly what it meant to live a double life. Read more>>
Tina Torres-Wilson
After 20 years in a toxic, narcissistic, and emotionally and physically abusive marriage, I made the hardest decision of my life — I walked away. Within a matter of months, I lost my marriage, became an empty nester when my youngest son left for the U.S. Army, and was laid off from a six-figure corporate job that had once defined me. I moved to a new town where I knew absolutely no one. I was 43, lost, and deeply depressed. Read more>>
Adam McCullar
Peace world! How you doing? My name is Adam McCullar and I’m the founder of Infinite Axis Comix. My story for Infinite Axis Comix officially started in 2015, when I self-published my first comic entitled Ten:01 Issue 0. It was a project I did with another comic book company from Atlanta called Urban God Ink. Shout out to NorViance Henry for he’s the one that drew it, colored it and did the lettering and shout out to Corley Manning who I made the initial deal with. He’s the one that really helped put all that together for it to manifest into what it has to today. Read more>>
Ashley Wilson
I continued my education at SCAD, earning an MFA in Dramatic Writing. Simultaneously, my sister and I started a production company, Salty Quill Studios. We made numerous short films garnering a Southeast Student Emmy Nomination and self-funded a pilot, Deceased. Our pilot received over 20 selections, 20 nominations, and 10 awards. This success pushed us forward to help others develop, produce, and film their own projects. Since then, we have made a variety of short films and music videos for other artists. We pride ourselves on working with artists to give life to their voices. Read more>>
Shonda Humphreys
I remember meeting John Singleton in Acapulco,Mexico where we became friends. During the 90’s and 2000 music videos were a thing back then. It was hard for me to maneuver because I didn’t take my craft seriously. I remember meeting Dwayne Boyd who we took classes together back in the day. He was my acting partner. If I met someone who was filming I knew that Dwayne was serious I would tell him about the gig. Now , I look back at Dwayne Boyd success he is doing it. I was always proud of him. My challenges with modeling ,acting and singing I didn’t want to put in the work and I wasn’t consistent. I believe money was an issue I had to pay my bills. Read more>>
Crystal Portwood
In 2020 we all realized so much. It wasn’t until I had my son in November 2021 and had every parent’s worst fear happen. Due to medical reasons I could only offer baby formula for him. In early 2022 a huge baby formula shortage happened. I remember my husband and I going to 8 different stores in 1 day to look for a can. Every time I would see empty shelves I would just break down crying in the store. Until we could only find 1 small can that would maybe last 2-3 days. Read more>>
Deanna Kinchen
That day, I decided to cut off all of the straight parts, and embrace my natural hair. I vowed to stop putting heat in it, and to find a way to accommodate my dance hairstyles using my natural hair. The best way to upkeep my hair, and still put it in buns, ponytails etc, was to get braids done. However having 4 sisters, and braiding being expensive, my mom told me that she would no longer be paying for me to get them done. This is when I began braiding. Read more>>
Melanie Peralta
At the time, I had two small children, one who was four and one who was three, and I didn’t want them to grow up never knowing their sister. I started imagining who Leilani might have been. Her spirit, her personality, her curiosity. I began creating stories around this magical little girl named Leilani who explored the world with wonder and adventure. Through those stories, I found a way to keep her present in our home and in our hearts. She wasn’t gone. She was a part of us. Read more>>
Elijah Griggs
Prophet Elijah Griggs and Pastor Khadijah Griggs serve as the lead servants of The Hub Southwest, a dynamic apostolic and prophetic center birthed through divine vision and obedience. This assignment began when their spiritual leader, Dr. Deborah Sheppard, received a prophetic vision concerning a move of God in the South Georgia region. In alignment with that vision, the Griggses journeyed to scout the land, interceding and establishing the foundation through prayer, worship, and revival. Read more>>
Destiny Huff
While I’ve personally navigated fibromyalgia, anxiety, and depression, and I’m a licensed mental health therapist who has worked with children in the juvenile justice system, foster care system, early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school settings, my advocacy work didn’t start professionally. It began as a mother fighting for her child. Read more>>
MaiaDaPlug
While building her cannabis lifestyle brand PLUGGD’N THE BRAND in 2018, Plug leaped into music, focus on personal growth and navigate her sound that now blends sex appeal, charisma, and unfiltered talent—on and off the mic. After curating indie shows and doing PR for major names, she’s stepping into a sure spotlight that’s not to be dimmed. Just releasing her most anticipated song yet ‘What I Like’, she’s sure to keep her momentum going with her artistry. Read more>>
LaToya Jones
Before I ever stitched a garment or built a brand, I told stories through body art—each piece of ink carved with meaning, emotion, and memory. These weren’t just tattoos; they were chapters of my life, etched in bold lines and vibrant colors. Every time I look at them, I get to relive moments of strength, vulnerability, power, and evolution. My body became a canvas of my truth—and the beginning of my artistry. Read more>>
Dawn-Marie Aime
Dawn-Marie RN MSN has over 40 years of experience as a Nurse. she grew tired of the sick care model in America, and desired to assist individuals reverse metabolic disorders using natural solutions. She has turned her passion of caring for others into assisting individuals to reverse chronic disease so that that can live the life they deserve; helping others achieve optimal health. Over the decades, she saw firsthand how integrative therapies could complement traditional medicine being aware that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. She offers a variety of services to support the body and mind to heal itself. Read more>>
Destiny Ward
Honestly, is there a such thing as smooth Road? I have had some ups and downs throughout my journey definitely health wise. I would say at the age of 12 I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and that was a nightmare in his own, but all I can say in the end of all of that, there is a light at the end of the tunnel because I am so in a great place now with my health. I feel like I have experience it all from being blind, paralyzed deaf and not even remembering anything to now being able to walk run jump and enjoy life like nothing ever happened before I give all of that to God.. Read more>>
Phanisha St.louis
As my interest in design grew, I created an Instagram page to showcase my work. That’s when I discovered the design industry and started seeing other creatives doing business branding and it instantly sparked something in me. I spent hours watching YouTube tutorials on how to create logos, business cards, and even websites. I started off designing in Canva, but once I made the switch to Photoshop, my skills really began to develop. Read more>>
Turbo
I’ve lived through real loss. I lost two close friends, Justin and Keem, to separate hit-and-runs. That pain changed me. I’ve faced depression, anxiety, legal pressure, and the constant grind of school. I’ve earned two degrees—one in General Studies and another in Network Security—and now I’m pushing through Nursing school. But music? That’s what kept me grounded. That’s what brought me back. Read more>>
Yungonthatrack Giles Burvick
I also come from a powerful musical legacy. My father, Jacques Burvick, is a legendary jazz producer who worked with icons like Herbie Hancock, Phyllis Hyman, and Glenn Jones. Watching him create timeless records showed me what excellence in music looks like. His influence taught me that true production is about emotion, structure, and timelessness. I’m also deeply grateful for the ongoing support and love from my dad’s family and my other mum, Angela, love them both so much, and their encouragement has been a huge part of my journey. Read more>>
Matt Talley
Coincidentally I’d always loved comedy. And years prior, I’d listened to a podcast called “You Made It Weird” with comedian Pete Holmes. He was interviewing Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie and they were discussing the similarities between writing music and writing jokes, and for years leading up to my inevitable conclusion with music, I’d been keeping a note in my phone filled with funny stories, conversations with friends, random thoughts when on edibles, etc. Read more>>
Jim Hollandsworth
If you were working as a Pastor or an elementary teacher, you would assume you were making a difference, right? At least that’s what my wife Melinda and I (Jim) thought until we went on a mission trip to South Africa in 2007. That trip changed our lives and when we came home we knew we need to more to help others. Even though I was working as a pastor, and Melinda was a second grade teacher, we felt we could do more. We were both Christians and we knew Jesus’ command to love our neighbor, but the honest truth is we didn’t think there was a need in our community. Read more>>
LaDonna Pinkie
Eventually, I felt the shift again. It was like I had entered that space as a caterpillar and was ready to fly as a butterfly. I didn’t want a traditional salon. I wanted something bold, something that hadn’t been done — something mobile, luxurious, and party-ready. That’s when Strokes Mobile Nail Studio was born. I spent years dreaming, journaling, sketching, and planning every detail. And after nearly three years of patience, hard work, and faith, my dream rolled into reality — literally. Read more>>
Lisa Miller
I had to figure out what I wanted to do with all this newfound freedom. My husband and I was running a trucking company and one day my sister called me and asked me if I wanted to work for her, looking for something that I could do, I kindly accepted the job, and like they say in Hollywood the rest was history. She introduced me to homecare, and this was my calling from God. I feel in love with not only the job, but with the members we served and the caregivers. I knew this would be what I would be doing until I retire. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, it was something I could do and was up for the challenge. Thats when The Harmony Home was born, Read more>>
James Newman
I started Cörner Kids Apparel as more than just a clothing brand—it was born from my personal journey of stepping outside my comfort zone. I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. It’s a place I love, but like a lot of people in smaller cities, I didn’t always see examples of success that looked like me. I knew I wanted more—but for a long time, fear kept me grounded, literally. I was scared to fly, scared to leave, scared to even try. But in 2013, I finally booked that one-way flight to Atlanta—and everything changed. That flight shifted everything. Read more>>
Jaleel Brown
From a young age, I knew I had a gift for language and an ambition for excellence. I wrote poetry as a child, earned top academic honors, and eventually found my way to Howard University’s School of Business on a full academic scholarship. There I studied Marketing and gained more than just a degree. I found a new and much wider perspective on my culture, community and history. I joined the Alpha chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and became chapter president. I even got the honor of performing one of my original poems at graduation, which was a full-circle moment of creative and personal affirmation, reminding me that my voice, and my vision, had value. Read more>>
Patricia Guerrero
Later on, when I looked for concepts to explore in university, expanding on my identity was inevitable. I wanted to tackle many ideas, so I focused on relating them through what I know best–my family and myself. I found myself focusing on family-related issues as a way to discuss overarching concepts of transgenerational trauma and pockets of Salvadoran history. Read more>>
Randy Banks
Over the past 15 years, my wife and I have owned and operated several successful businesses. However, the COVID-19 pandemic reminded us just how vital community and small businesses are to the fabric of our world. As a music tech engineer, with my wife being a lawyer, and her best friend—who’s like a sister to us—bringing years of loyalty and experience in the nightlife and club industry, we realized that together we have a unique synergy. As a team, we saw an opportunity to revolutionize the spirits and spirit-tech industry. Read more>>
Becky “DJPynkDyamond” Gaston
while working in Irving, Texas, DJ PynkDyamond began exploring the idea of becoming a DJ. She produced her first fashion show in Dallas, which was a sellout success. Encouraged by feedback from industry professionals, she pursued DJing more seriously and had her first major gig at the Miami Takeover Pool Party in 2016. Her career took off from there, leading to numerous DJ opportunities. Read more>>
Caden Jackson
Caden Jackson, at just four years old, founded the Loved & Protected Foundation. It all began with a simple scripture, Psalm 23, and a big heart. Caden told his mother that reading it made him feel “loved and protected”. He soon told his mom he wanted to help children who “don’t have mommies or daddies and those who need a little help to know they are loved and protected too.”That spark turned into a 10-year movement. Today, the foundation organizes faith-rooted donation drives to deliver essential winter gear hats, scarves, gloves, hoodies, and more to children and families experiencing hardship across Georgia. Our mission is rooted in youth leadership, compassion, and stewardship. Read more>>
LaToya Scroggins
My mom was not exactly thrilled about having to take off work to meet with the principal (now it is one of her favorite stories to tell people when she is describing the type of person I am). But I remember the school staff saying they were impressed by my leadership and my willingness to advocate for others. That moment has stayed with me. It was my first real lesson in what it means to speak up, even when it is uncomfortable, and to help others feel seen and heard. Read more>>
Greg Tresan
I built my career from the ground up in the competitive world of film production, where success depended on balancing creativity with tight budgets, tighter timelines, and constant pressure. Leading teams through high-stakes projects taught me that grit, adaptability, and clear communication are what truly drive results. Read more>>
Mark Schisler
I Graduated from UGA in Landscape Architecture. I worked for a few companies including Scapes, Inc. and The Home Depot in their Landscape Design department. I started my own Design Build firm in 1994. I loved working with my clients creating beautiful outdoor spaces, including porches, Pools, Patios, Water features, landscaping, lighting and even outdoor kitchens. We believe in starting with a master plan and developing over time depending on budget and seasons. Read more>>
Cati Diamond Stone, J.D.
Since committing to a nonprofit career path, I’ve supported incredible missions on both the local and national levels. A common theme in my work has been focusing on the unique and individualized needs of those who need support. As the President & CEO of CHRIS 180 – a standout nonprofit that supports the mental health needs of Atlanta’s children, youth, and families – I have a front row seat to long-overdue recognition of mental health being viewed in parity with physical health. Mental health support can change the direction of a person’s life, but it also strengthens the family and community as a whole. Talk about an impact multiplier! Who wouldn’t want to be involved in spreading that kind of goodness out into the world? I’m so lucky. Read more>>
Asia Hollaway
Asia Hollaway’s journey began with a move from Michigan to Georgia, where her passion for being in front of the camera led her mother to enroll her in modeling. Starting in Atlanta, Asia’s modeling career took her to various locations such as New York, California, and Philadelphia, broadening her experience in the industry. After gaining momentum in modeling, Asia transitioned into acting, adding two movies to her resume and opening doors to more opportunities in her career. Read more>>
Ash Tuesday
Before I knew how to encapsulate that sentiment into a thought form, I was just following the feeling of: I like these sounds and words coming from these artists, and then the feeling of: I really want to make a song with a guitar like the people I admire do, which leads to the urge of: nagging and eventually convincing my parents that that feeling of wanting a guitar was true and legitimate til they bought me one, and then the following of more urges and feelings including but not limited to: I need to go to this concert, I need for this boy to like me back, I need to be like *artist im obsessed with at the moment*, I need to learn to play guitar, I need to go to this concert, I need to write a song, I need to write a song just like this one, I need to get this feeling out. Read more>>
Crystal Springer
Shortly before I left corporate, I was introduced to a network marketing company that opened up a whole new world for me. I embraced the products for my whole family (and we still use them regularly), but I was a terrible network marketer. Instead of telling people about our products, I taught other reps how to use things like Canva, PowerPoint, Zoom, and other online tools so they could more easily share the products with their people. That’s when I knew technology was still where I belonged. Read more>>
Devin Washington
When I was younger, I would steal my mom’s camera and from there my love for camera work grew. As I got older, I developed my production skills doing projects in school where I’d make photos, videos, and songs to express myself. My older brothers, D. Marcel and Kontra, began to notice I had a knack for media and asked me to make music videos and social media content for them. Over time, I developed a brand for myself called Dachi Media, where I focus on creating meaningful media with my friends and family. Currently, I study Media Entrepreneurship at Georgia State University and do part-time work at the Creative Media Industries Institute, as well as freelance photography and videography. Read more>>
Leslie Stern
Fashion has always been a passion of mine. Growing up, I eagerly anticipated the start of the school year—for the excitement of back-to-school shopping. I couldn’t wait to wear my new jackets, sweaters, and jeans, and I loved discovering the latest colors, fabrics, patterns, and trends of the season. Read more>>
Juhi
There were moments of self-doubt, times when I felt overwhelmed or unsure of the path ahead. But every struggle taught me something valuable. Whether it was finding my voice in a new environment, pushing through cultural expectations, or simply juggling time between work, family, and personal goals—I’ve learned to stay grounded and trust the journey. Read more>>
Kari Dione
My path was shaped deeply by my mentor, Mr. Bobby Stringer, who saw potential in me that others often missed—especially in opera and theater. He paid for lessons, bought books, and made sure I had what I needed to succeed. One of the most important things he ever told me was, “Practice doesn’t make perfect—perfect practice makes perfect.” That standard still guides me to this day. Read More>>
Yudenia Guerra
The struggles for example external factors as well heartbreak, going broke, homelessness, divorces, loosing family/friends ,being layed off, bad credit. Any and ALL challenges are apart of your growth and evolutionary processes. Having a perspective shift helps you incorporate them into something greater than you can even imagine. Read more>>
