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.
Julia Umoren
Composure is a story of two passions coming together. My passion for hair started when I was just 9 years old. I began my cosmetology career while still in high school, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of changing lives and educating other professionals. In 2008, I earned my educator license. I’ve always been drawn to the instant gratification that extensions and non-surgical hair replacement provide—it’s deeply fulfilling to see the transformation right away. Read more>>
Chef Jamar Griddine
What I am known for is my grandma’s peach cobbler, bread pudding , soul food, Italian, keto, vegetarian and more. Why eat Good, when you can eat great. What I am most proud of is that God blessed me to break general curses in my family and I plan on passing this down to my kids and Queen one day whoever they are, I will be ready. What set me apart from others is that not only can I cook but I can entertain the guest while cooking. I sing and dance. Read more>>
Niarree Hargrove
Not at all. Starting Bella Styles came with a lot of challenges—from funding the business out of pocket to balancing personal responsibilities while trying to grow something from scratch. I had to learn everything on my own, often through trial and error. There were moments of doubt, setbacks, and sacrifices, but every struggle taught me something and pushed me to keep going. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it. Read more>>
Dalmane Smith
I didn’t know what healing looked like. I just knew I needed to get the weight off my chest. So I started writing. No structure, no plan—just raw emotion. That’s how Rooted was born. I poured everything into those pages: the brokenness, the confusion, the questions I was too afraid to ask out loud. The characters were fictional, but the emotions were real. Writing that book helped me begin my own process of atonement. Read more>>
Dr. Shawana Carter-Barnett
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. Like any journey, there have been significant obstacles. One of the most challenging moments came when I thought I was close to opening my cupcakery storefront. We had a fraudulent contractor, which set us back financially and emotionally. It was a huge setback, and we lost a lot in that process. But through it all, I leaned on my faith and the power of prayer. No matter how hard the obstacles, prayer always provided me with the strength and clarity to keep moving forward. Read more>>
Chase Richardson
I started on BandLab, making beats and recording vocals with some of my friends I met on Discord and Roblox. We weren’t trying to be famous or even thinking about careers back then. We were just having fun, experimenting with sounds, sharing ideas, and learning from each other. I didn’t have any professional equipment just a phone, some headphones, and a whole lot of passion, still to this day I don’t use any professional studio equipment. I just enjoy the outcome of what I create, with what I use. I recently added FL Studios to my arsenal of production software tools. Read more>>
Celeste Barker
Well I was born and raised in New York and I lived there until I was about 22 years old. My mom had me at 43 and my 2 sisters are about 19 years older than me so me and my nephew grew up as brother and sister. I grew up going to church and then of course when you get a certain age you start to “smell” yourself. I wound up getting pregnant my last year in high school and i was not about to let that stop me. I grew up in the projects and always wanted more for myself. So I had my son Darius is April and still walked across the stage in June. Read more>>
Vanessa Rodriguez
It hasn’t been an easy road, even though I try to enjoy it a lot, but it hasn’t been easy. The biggest factor is that when I started, I didn’t know many people to offer my cakes to. So one day I decided to go places and simply offer them, spreading the word to my coworkers and my family members at their jobs as well. Another thing is that I set the bar for myself by only offering them to people from my country or Latin Americans, but it turned out to be a pleasant surprise for me that people here love my desserts, no matter where they come from. Read more>>
Parita Kuttappan
My parents always told me to do better than them, so when I went to college at UGA, I decided to major in Finance. After college, I worked and then decided to go back to school and pursue my MBA at Georgia Tech. My next two jobs led me to the belief that corporate America was where I would live forever. Not exactly the case! Read more>>
Taylor Jasmine
Born on March 14, 2000, in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, Taylor Jasmine Ahmed—known professionally as Taylor Jasmine—is a bold and mystique force in today’s music scene. At 25, she’s a singer, songwriter, and visionary with a timeless sound that fuses R&B, Pop, and Soul. Raised in a world filled with gospel, rap, and classical music, Taylor developed a deep love for the arts early on—singing, dancing, and creating from the time she was a child. Read more>>
Georgy “SkinnySlim”
He quickly started doing private shows in variety of clubs in the Metro Atlanta Area. From performing and in the studio, Slim saw that reggaeton died out fast and needed a new outlet to get his image out there more. So he started acting and he enjoyed auditioning for different independent films and started picking up a habit for it. He started to get roles in different shows and films like The Walking Dead & Triple 9 Staying persistent and committed showed that he really wanted to continue his career as an Entertainer. Read more>>
Benton Aladin
My journey didn’t begin with connections or capital – it began with clarity. Clarity about the vision of what I wanted to accomplish. While “what” I wanted to do was clear, the “how to get there” was out of focus and the path murky. What I wanted to do indeed was a path paved by so few that the blueprint others had used was a tightly guarded path. A path so tight that I had to craft my own blueprint with each step over time. I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling and its ability to build courage, fortitude, hope and aspirations beyond the environment we live in. Those stories weren’t limiting. Yet my own journey was often challenged with the stories that were told to me. Read more>>
Lee Nicole
Hi hope all is well! I go by Lee Nicole, and I’m a Freelance photographer and videographer based in Atlanta, GA. I’m a graduate from Charles R. Drew Charter School. Class of 2025! I have a passion for design and sports, and I have fulfilled this passion by creating a business, “imagesbyleenicole”. I am also a published author of “A Way Out.” an inspired journey of mine through a sports injury. I’ve played varsity soccer all 4 years of high school, winning multiple awards. Exploring my passions and balancing school I’ve maintained a 3.7 GPA. Read more>>
Amanda Hayhurst
From there came opportunities to write for publications like Guidepost and Chicken Soup for the Soul. I began sharing about my marriage and past shame on my Instagram: AmandaHayhurstWrites. And last August, I released my first devotional, Pray for Him–helping over 60,000 women move from fix and control to surrender and prayer. Even more recently, I released Pray for Her, inviting men to do the same! I am so grateful that I can write full-time now, sharing words to encourage others to grow in their intimacy with God. It fuels my soul like nothing else! Read more>>
Donald Burrell
I am most proud of my brand being able to provide outstanding pictures and customer service. I’m a professional photographer passionate about capturing meaningful moments, candid shots, and turning them into timeless visual stories. My brand is centered around authenticity and client connection. I believe every person, event, and product has a unique story, and my goal is to bring that story to life through high-quality imagery. What I offer is: Read more>>
Kris Hale
Dope Pieces gave me the space to merge the things I love most: art, connection, and culture. It started from a personal place and grew into something bigger. The opening of our mission statement says we’re “dedicated to connecting people, art, and culture,” and that’s truly why I started this company. Dope Pieces was built to be more than a puzzle company, it is rooted in community, cultural, and a love of art. Read more>>
Daniel Jefferson
As my time was winding down at AIMM, I began as an intern at the legendary TreeSound Studios. I began there with basic knowledge in music production and audio engineering, but I had much to learn moving forward professionally in the music industry. Over time, I’ve been able to build connections, meet amazing people, and work with creative minds day and night. I’m glad to be in a position now to build a community and represent myself. Where I’m at is really a dream come true. Read more>>
Thou Art Ju D
After high school, I studied cosmetology, passing the state board, and became a licensed professional, then working in a few salons. But while I enjoyed the work, something was missing. I didn’t feel fulfilled creatively. That longing led me back to school to earn a degree in Liberal Arts, and though I went on to hold various administrative roles, I still felt a pull toward something more expressive. Read more>>
Dr. Andreia White
Currently, I am a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician and I also serve as the Assistant Chief Medical Officer at Cahaba Medical Care. Beyond the clinic walls, Telehealth, and leadership meetings, I speak at conferences, schools, community events, etc. on topics related to family health and wellness. I’m also the creator and host of the Voices For a Healthy Legacy podcast, where I sit down with relatable medical professionals to discuss health, wellness, and the everyday realities that impact our communities. Read more>>
Peyton Holley
The start of my art career began on my grandparents’ back porch. While my parents were off at work, I would spend hours coloring to my heart’s content while watching the busyness at the bird feeders. Art has been my driving force ever since I could hold a pencil. I often would sketch on homework assignments and school papers when an idea would strike me during my K-12 years. While most of my training was self driven, I was fiercely encouraged and guided by my elementary school art teacher Mrs. Harper and my high school art teacher Mrs. Borgognoni (both of whom I keep in contact with to this day). When it came time to choose a post-secondary venture, there was fear knowing my adoration for the arts would be up against the doubts of myself and others. Read more>>
Belinda Gaston
I’m Belinda – a speaker, coach, corporate executive, ordained Elder, author, and host of the Graced to Lead Podcast. I’m also a wife, mother, friend and daughter of the most-high God. But real talk, I’m a woman who is trying to follow God, who doesn’t have all the answers, who tries to be kind to herself, who makes mistakes, and l tries not to judge (because seriously, there but for the grace of God go I). I loss my mother at the age of 15 and was raised in the rest of my teenage years by my grandmother, who was clear in her expectations of me. Go to college, get a job, start a family, love the Lord. So, that’s what I did. I lived up to her expectations. Read more>>
Kindness Calloway
I spent the most time on my mom’s side of the city however: a very Christian life. Christian school Monday-Friday, Vacation bible school camp, church Wednesday and Friday night, church again on Sunday morning, Bible study before church, church morning service, church evening service I was living in two or three completely different worlds at once… and underneath all of that was something much harder for a kid. I was carrying this deep, painful secret: my older brother was sexually abusing me. Read more>>
Makeda Lewis
These days, I do what I’m moved to do. This tends to manifest both personally and professionally in collaborative and documentation pursuits and overall creative practices. I’m an artist, a lover, a loud-talker and collard-greens-eater. I don’t take too much to ‘curator’ anymore, I prefer ‘synthesizer’–I studied Psychology at Georgia State and fell in love with using synthesis as a method of collecting and examining information from different sources, identifying where they either overlap or differ and using the result of that to guide a final presentation towards whatever chosen goal. I find the way my brain already processes a lot of the world around me naturally engages this process, so it makes sense to name this as a part of my creative and cultural working practices. Read more>>
Deanna Repose Oaks
In 7th grade, I discovered poetry through English class. I learned how to hide feelings in metaphors and analogies. I started writing poems instead of journals. Even when they were read, no one at home knew what they were REALLY about, so poetry became my self-soothing device. When I left home, I brought them with me and I kept writing. Read more>>
Lisa Griswold
Today, Pixie Vacations is home to over 160 advisors, spanning continents and cultures, with connections to over one hundred suppliers. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to personalizing every vacation to fit the unique dreams and needs of our clients. We grow and adapt alongside our clients, embracing new destinations and experiences so we can continue helping families create unforgettable memories. Being part of this adventure is a joy—and I’m thrilled to help bring a little Pixie magic into every journey we craft. Read more>>
Kevin Schumaker
Eventually, through 12-Step programs and a return to the study of Taoism and Zen, I reclaimed my sanity but with a different perspective on life. I had always loved artists and writers of every kind. From jugglers to songwriters, magicians to playwrights, I loved them all. So, as I was facing my late fifties, I decided I had waited long enough. First, I began on my still unfinished novel, and then poetry. In 2025, at the age of 60, I published my first collection of poems, titled That’ll Leave a Mark. Read more>>
Whondy Mogollon
I began researching how to learn Breaking and found a website called www.delacallesweb.com. That’s where I discovered Bboy Lil G, who had just represented Venezuela in Mexico. That led me to local dancers and b-boys in my city. I joined a dance academy called BeatDance and eventually got invited to a national jam organized by Revolution Crew in Cabudare, Barquisimeto. That experience solidified my passion—it was the perfect mix of combat, competition, training, and music. That same day, I saw a DJ spinning live for the battle and my mind was blown. Read more>>
Amber Baird
I have a very diverse background when it comes to my past careers. Ranging from being a marketing research firm confirmation specialist, a PE and Music teacher for a preschool, a restaurant manager and bartender to a school photographer of a well known company and the administrative assistant to the Executive Assistant to the President of the big energy corporation slash accounting clerk. Pretty eclectic if you ask me. But in each of these roles (and more), I have always been a quick learner and performed at the top of my position on a consistent basis. Read more>>
GreatScott!
I remember meeting Todd One, a big radio personality in Atlanta, while I was still in high school. He was working with T.I. at the time, getting ready to shoot the “Rubber Band Man” video. He saw some of my work and told me to come out to the shoot. I was excited—it felt like a huge opportunity. But my parents weren’t having it. They didn’t want me involved in hip-hop culture or “that life,” as they saw it. I ended up missing that shoot, and I was definitely frustrated, but I also became more determined to carve my own path. Read more>>
Keda Smith
At first, it was just an idea — a side hustle while I balanced everyday life. I researched, tested products, and learned the business one step at a time. There were setbacks, but also moments of growth that fueled my drive. What really pushed me forward was knowing that I could build something that was mine — something with purpose. Read more>>
Bre Cashman
I started noticing things I hadn’t before. The way light moved across a wall. The calm of a quiet room. How a space could hold feeling. That experience changed the way I see the world. It reminded me that beauty is often subtle. It’s not always loud or obvious. Sometimes it’s tucked into the smallest, softest places. And when we notice it, even just for a moment, it can bring us back to ourselves. Read more>>
Mary Beth Wheeler
But that is what we do! We build connections and wellness so that female veterans and first responders can continue to serve their communities by putting on their mask first and taking care of themselves. That is where we are today. Building community and living wellness all while breathing. The beautiful powerful breath. If you have breath you have time. Time to make a decision, time to take care of yourself, time to serve your community, time to do whatever it is you need to do. Read more>>
Patrick Krier
We both grew up in Wisconsin, about an hour north of Milwaukee—a place where football, history, and cold weather are a way of life. I met my wife, Kelsey, in middle school, and we’ve been together ever since. We attended both undergrad (Winona State University) and graduate school (Palmer College of Chiropractic) together. Read more>>
Katelyn Batiste
I fell in love with dance when I was just 3 years old. It became a huge part of my life, and I danced competitively all the way through high school. After that, I began training in Atlanta’s secular dance industry, and before long, I started gaining followers and attention. But even with all of that, my heart felt empty. I was searching for something more, and in that search, I found myself caught up in emotional struggles, addiction, and a lifestyle that led me into a very dark place. Read more>>
Kunle Owolabi
Unfortunately, the greatest of products may never reach their target audience without efficient marketing strategies in place. I’ve worked in Marketing for large companies like Bank of America, AT&T, and Cushman & Wakefield, so I wasn’t as aware of these struggles regarding marketing prior to going into work for myself. I’ve definitely found my lane with small business with some movement already because as you expand and learn your audience, marketing because a more relevant topic. So most of my clientele now fall in that bracket. But it’s still a tough sell to help the average person visualize how marketing can increase their visibility and effectiveness. Read more>>
Eliza Yarbrough-Saxon
I’m an Atlanta-based choreographer and dance educator. I work with a wide range of students , from young kids to high schoolers to adults – choreographing for schools, studios, and various productions. I also teach dance classes and, just as importantly, make sure I still take class myself. It’s really important to me to stay a student of dance and choreography, no matter how long I’ve been teaching. Read more>>
Jo King
I love making people happy, and making people laugh. In today’s climate, god knows we all need it! I love to be “stupid” in my drag performances – and by that I mean the obvious, the low brow, the high brow, the arched brow, the silly, the Dada, the wordplay, the crass, the analytical – all of it. My best performances, in my eyes, are the ones where people can’t help but smile because the slow burn of humor finally got them. Read more>>
George Gant
From a very early age, I always wanted to be a cartoonist–I was the kid in school drawing in class instead of doing classwork. Eventually I began drawing editorial cartoons for my high school’s newspaper, even winning several awards for my work. After high school, I took a few graphic design courses in college, then took a break from art altogether for a few years. Read more>>
CAT DYMOND
I later received a CDC grant to investigate the causes and long-term effects of intimate partner violence during pregnancy, which I carried out at the Houston Area Women’s Center. It was there that I accompanied a sexual assault survivor to the hospital for a rape kit, translating for her. The SANE who performed the exam was a certified nurse-midwife. That encounter cracked something open in me. It showed me what was possible when clinical skill meets deep-rooted compassion — and I never looked back. Read more>>
Michael Plummer
From that point on, it became a labor of love—honoring the building’s past while shaping it into something new. It took two and a half years of wrangling red tape and battling construction surprises, but in 2014 ‘Southbound’ was born; its name a nod to the Allman Brothers’ song that kept us motivated during late-night build-outs and to the storied railroad tracks that sit just feet from our front door, carrying trains south every day. Now, eleven years later, Southbound is still a restaurant rooted in community, history, and hospitality. Read more>>
Dalandra Young
As I grew older, more characters came through me—loving, vibrant beings that helped me through some of my darkest times. I named them the Noonimals, after my childhood nickname, “Nooni.” Each one came from a place of love and healing, and over time I realized they weren’t just here for me—they were here to help children around the world learn how to believe in themselves, overcome fear, and create their own reality through imagination. Read more>>
Brandi Starks
I started Dorothy’s Paradise during a time of deep loss and burnout — emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I didn’t set out to build a brand. I was simply trying to find my way back to myself. Crochet became a form of healing. Journaling became my mirror. Rest became my rebellion. And what began as small, handmade pieces created in quiet moments slowly turned into something more powerful than I imagined. Read more>>
Terri Johnson
Fast forward to 2020—when the world came to a halt during the pandemic, I found myself at home with a newborn and a two-year-old. Like so many other parents, I was suddenly in charge of their full-time learning and care. That experience inspired me to start Beelieve Academy as a blog, sharing tips and activities with other moms who were navigating the same situation. The name Beelieve actually came from the book Believe by Dalandra Young—it spoke to me at a time when I needed encouragement and purpose. Read more>>
Daryl Feagins II
A creative and unconventional thinker with a passion for leadership, community service, music and real estate, I began my journey at a young age, embracing a love for sports and home decor that shaped my unique perspective. With a background as a league champion in basketball and a black belt in karate, I found fulfillment not just in playing, but in coaching and mentoring others. My academic journey at Troy University ignited my entrepreneurial spirit, leading me to found an organization promoting community service through basketball, where I successfully assisted young athletes in securing scholarship opportunities. Read more>>
Chris Hamer
Roughly 30 Years from the day I said I wanted to open a comic book store, I did.. well not exactly, we started off in a antique mall with a glass case of comics and toys, within a year, we moved to a 10×10 booth and by the end we were in three of those booths. As we were growing, so did my delusions of grandeur and my determination to see how far this could go, so armed with very little knowledge and understanding of how to run a business I started looking for a brick and mortar location. Read more>>
Monica Malone
One day, during some quiet time of journaling, manifesting, and self-reflection, I realized I could combine my love for scent, creativity, and working with my hands into something special: handmade body butter. I started crafting my own shea butter blends, infusing them with tropical aromas and all the love and care I’ve always put into my art. Read more>>
Kalvo Griffin
Over time, I co-founded HwyMen Productions and launched my own company, FORC3 Studios, a creative house designed to amplify culturally rich, emotionally honest narratives. Through FORC3, I’ve directed multiple short films, web series, and local TV content. My recent projects, like The Peppermint Lady, a horror mini-series rooted in Southern Black folklore, and Sweet Dreams, an upcoming psychological horror feature, are examples of how I blend genre storytelling with culture and personal truth. I also co-host a podcast called The Shot Callers Podcast, where we dive into conversations centered around filmmaking, from industry news to filmmaking tips and equipment. Read more>>
