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.
Bindley Sangster
Sangster’s Cafe is one of the family of companies under Sangster’s Coffee llc. Sangster’s Coffee grows, processes, roasts, packages and distributes our coffee globally. It was natural for us to branch out into the direct to customer market through cafes and as such we now have three across Atlanta. Read more>>
Jose Martinez
What make me diferent from others barbershop is that my bussiness is a familiar place because mom can bring their kids and they will not even hear a bad Words or loud Music baber screaming to each other and they will most important is the you will find a clean place with great hygiene Read more>>
Jessica Able
My story began with a deep appreciation for the power of words and how they shape our understanding of the world. I would read at night with a dictionary and thesaurus by my bedside, eager to explore the nuances of language. As a mom, I observed that many early learning resources felt either superficial or overwhelming. They rushed through the alphabet, so I sought something that allowed children to connect with each letter in a meaningful way. Read more>>
Andre Archer
My wife and I always said from the beginning that we only wanted two children. We did a gender reveal with our first child, but this time, we decided to not learn our second, and last child’s, gender until birth. With that, we had to decide a name that would be fitting for either gender, and decided on the name, Clarke, as an homage to the place that our story started at, Clark Atlanta University. As planned, we waited until birth to learn that Clarke was a girl. This is where my story got even more exciting. I became a girl dad x2! Read more>>
James Granger
After working for years with pain management clinics, chiropractic clinics and Personal Injury attorneys: Dr Granger noticed there is need for improvement in treating pain and addiction. That led to the introduction of acupuncture to his practice and more recently the addition of Stemwave (Shockwave) for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Read more>>
Nicole Little
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of traveling to so many amazing places, from Iceland to Hawaii and beyond, capturing the love stories of couples from all walks of life. Becoming a mother in 2019 added a whole new layer of perspective to my work. It’s been really beautiful to look back and see how life experiences—like marriage and motherhood—have enriched how I perceive and capture a moment. Read more>>
Brey Noelle
After graduating from Seattle Pacific University on a music scholarship with a Communications degree, I dove headfirst into the entertainment industry in LA doing music. My sister and I had a band in Seattle and started recording in LA as a duo. We ended up having some unexpected twists and turns with our music management, so when we pressed pause on our recording and performing – that’s when I started modeling, which then became my main platform of work. Read more>>
Michele Scott
I completed 4 tracks, 1o weeks each, and started my coaching business, Cultivate Coaching & Consulting LLC. I also, was ordained as a Minister/Teacher in 2024 under the covering of Lion’s Roar Ministries and started Cultivate Training Institute LLC to utilize my spiritual gifting as a teacher. I have the privilege of combining coaching, consulting, mentoring and teaching to help people discover and pursue life purpose through the blueprint of the Bible while confronting and conquering the challenges, tests and trials encountered in life to arise victoriously. I am happy to say that my husband and I are here by the grace of God and are living cancer free. Read more>>
Staci Belche
I have honed my focus to supporting clients healing from eating disorders and disordered eating. In sessions, I blend the science of nutrition with the art of mindful self-inquiry to engage with food in a new way. I am inspired by the possibility that we all can live with our bodies with more peace, understanding, and compassion and build spaces for my clients to explore this in their own lives through 1:1 work, workshops, and guided movement. Read more>>
Bethany Wheeler
Over the years, I also found myself mentoring newer dietitians. Many were fresh out of school or internships and already feeling burned out. They loved nutrition but were disheartened by how rigid and appearance-focused the field could be and they didn’t know how to build a career that aligned with their values. Read more>>
Douglas Scott
In 2014, I was honored by Governor and Mrs. Nathan Deal with the Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities. I was cited as ‘a respected leader in modern dance’ and for expanding ‘the definition and reach of modern dance by creating opportunities for dancers with and without disabilities . . . not only in the local Atlanta community, but throughout the State of Georgia, the United States and internationally.’ At the 2023 Dance/USA National Conference, I was presented with the Champions Award, given to any organization, business, foundation, or individual whose achievements, leadership, and support have sustained and/or significantly advanced dance in the local community. Read more>>
Kacey Cloues
Garden*Hood was started by plant people for people who love plants. The goal was to build a space where curiosity, creativity, and a sense of community could flourish, where trends could be bucked and boxes could be thought outside of, and where serious gardening could be fun and joyful. There were four original partners and one employee, which was me. Read more>>
Michele Blondheim
After a few years, I moved to Atlanta, to be closer to my sister, one of my best life decisions. I found my community, met my husband, and truly rooted. On the career front, I transitioned into nonprofit leadership, taking on the role of Director of Development for an emergency shelter for children, working closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to develop and execute fundraising programs, establish strategic corporate partnerships, and lead cross-functional collaboration with marketing, finance and program teams. Read more>>
Dyeshia Moore
I am an event planner. I create memories for others within their events from event designs, to rentals to help make their event elegant. I believe what sets my business apart is my mindset. There’s no competition and I take pride in my business principles. I don’t mind helping others getting into this field Read more>>
Elandria Charles
On the surface, my life was what some would call “easy.” I had a magical childhood as the only child of two parents who loved God and loved each other. But even that picture-perfect upbringing couldn’t protect me from perfectionism or, eventually, burnout. Read more>>
Teresa Cole
That was where this whole story began. Quite by accident and good fortune, we became a founding family at a new cooperative preschool in our neighborhood (southeast Atlanta) when we were searching for part time care for our one-year-old daughter. As a cooperative, there were many volunteer requirements. The more time I spent in the school, the more involved I became in every aspect and the more I became enamored with the early childhood education process. To be clear, never in my life had I had any aspirations to become an educator of any sort. However, flights of passion are rarely expected. Read more>>
Nyajza Jackson
Hello, my name is Nyajza Jackson, and I am the proud owner of Nailed by Nyajza Studio, located in College Park. By combining art and creativity, I provide exceptional nail enhancements in a safe and relaxing environment. My business, formerly known as Desired Designs by Dasiya, has been rebranded as Nailed by NyAjza. I am originally from a small town in Alabama, where I began doing nails at the age of 5, inspired by my mother, a hairstylist. I remember polishing her clients’ toenails for $5. Read more>>
Tommy Walker
For the last five years, I’ve been a school counselor at the historic Frederick Douglass High School —where my role goes far beyond my title. I’ve built a culture of success for students who needed more than grades—they needed a safe space, a consistent advocate, and programming that helped them find their voice, vision, and value. Through student government, the National Honor Society, and LIVE @225, I’ve watched young people step into leadership, rewrite their narratives, and create new possibilities for themselves. Read more>>
Ben Albizzatti
I started my career working at a bank. It was a great introduction to the lending world, but it didn’t take long for me to realize the limitations. At a bank, clients are boxed into that one institution’s products and pricing. If it fits, great. If it doesn’t, there wasn’t much flexibility. I quickly felt like I wasn’t truly able to serve people the way they deserved. Read more>>
John Gary Dewberry
I am married now 10 years to my former classmate and best friend Karen Ware, who is K Sylvia noted as co Author of my 2nd book titled Maggiedocious Wordett’s Soul Sonnets. My 1st book is titled Hang All The Mistletoe Meet The Black Ebenezer, which was published in 2022. My 2nd book was published earlier this year 2025 by Pa Pro Vi Publishing, led by Dr. LaQuita Parks, who recommended me to you. Read more>>
Jazmine Gamboa
At Pass By Ira, we are committed not just to providing support, but to breaking the harmful stereotypes often associated with homelessness. While some may become homeless due to poor decisions, many others are impacted by circumstances beyond their control—natural disasters, domestic abuse, mental health challenges, and systemic issues. Read more>>
Erica Davis
A good friend of mine helped me with camera and editing training. Fast forward to today, I have my Great Dane pup, Winston, to thank for that. Four years ago, when he was a puppy, he ate my camera to say the least – haha. I was slightly freaking out, but with some friends encouraging me, I invested in myself 10 fold. I bought a better camera and lens. It helped me gain confidence and so much more. I now have an in home studio, small photography venue, and I am looking to expand my business. Read more>>
Ellen Schlossberg
I opened Mt. Yonah Book Exchange in March of 2011. As a lifelong reader for pleasure and lover of books, I wanted to create a warm and welcoming space for others who appreciate and enjoy the written word. Over the years, the store’s new and secondhand inventory has grown significantly, and now includes a number of highly collectable antiquarian, vintage and author signed books. Read more>>
Abba Parrott
I grew up dancing—my mom owned a hair salon, and right next door was a dance studio where I first discovered my love for dance. Today, part of my own studio is actually in that same building, which feels so serendipitous and really special. I trained at a local studio before moving to California to further my dance journey. When I came back home, I began teaching at multiple studios across the metro Atlanta area. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to judge for many dance competitions and to learn from and work alongside some incredible teachers and choreographers. Read more>>
Nicole Comis
I didn’t realize it at the time, but I had spent years with tunnel vision—pouring all my energy into growing my business. When the 2008 housing crash hit, and the business I loved and worked so hard to build crashed with it, so did my happiness and my identity. My career had become my life. I was so busy building my business that somewhere along the way, I had put my health, my relationships, and my real dreams on the back burner. Read more>>
Rose Howard
Writing became another outlet for me—a way to inspire women to see beyond limitations and discover their strength. This year, I published my first book, From Bondage to Boldness, which shares my personal journey of transformation and encourages others to step into freedom and confidence. I am also working on a new project—developing healthy sea moss supplements—with the hope of one day expanding into retail production to better serve my community’s wellness needs. Read more>>
Kanailah Walker
Hello , my name is Kanailah Walker I’m from a small country town in Ga where you gotta try to make it out at least. I have been wanting to be a content creator for the longest since I was a child & still to this day I don’t even watch tv I’m watching YouTube/Content videos . In the last 2 years I have been receiving opportunities to be extras for Big Tv shows and collabing with big influencers. Read more>>
Atticus Roness
I’ve been singing my whole life, did theatre to start, learned guitar shortly after and began playing professionally at around age 16. Then joined by my brother and childhood friend formed my first band, AQUASHADE. That lasted in various formations until the pandemic. My brother and I then split off to form a more vintage rock outfit, The Corduroy Blue. This lasted 3 years, and then as fate would have it, I began my solo career under my name, Atticus Roness, about a year ago. My debut album ‘Square One’ is out everywhere now. Read more>>
